Obama calls China leader about Iran deal

President Obama continues to call global leaders to build support for the Iran nuclear agreement, including a Monday conversation with the leader of China.

Obama called President Xi Jinping "to express appreciation for the role China played in reaching an historic, long-term comprehensive nuclear deal" involving the U.S., allies, and Iran, the White House said in a statement.

The agreement "ensures Iran's nuclear program is exclusively peaceful going forward," the White House said.

Under the deal announced last week, the allies have agreed to reduce economic sanctions on Iran as it gives up the means to make nuclear weapons.

Critics, including congressional Republicans and some Democrats, have questioned whether Iran will live up to its end of the agreement.

Obama, has spoken with leaders in Europe and Asia in the days since announcing the agreement, has repeatedly cited strong international support, including the United Nations Security Council.

In its readout of the Obama-Xi phone call, the White House said that "both leaders agreed on the fundamental importance of continued U.S.-China cooperation in ensuring the full implementation" of the agreement.

In addition, the White House said that "President Obama reaffirmed that he looks forward to welcoming President Xi to the White House for a State Visit in September."