President Obama held a press conference this morning accompanied by Secretary of Defence, Robert Gates, and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, to announce a new comprehensive arms control agreement to replace the last START treaty which ended in December.  The deal will scale down both America's and Russia's nuclear devices, missiles, and launchers by one third, or limit each nation to a total of 1550 weapons .  It keeps intact the system to track and secure nuclear material around the world, and a rebirth of cooperation between the United States and Russia.

President Obama said that it was their intention to leave the legacy of the 20th century and the cold war behind, thereby fulfilling a promise made a year ago to reset the rocky relationship with Russia.  Hillary Clinton, Secretary Gates, and Admiral Mullen each spoke, praising the agreement each with their own anecdotes.

However, I think what is most important here, besides the obvious good news that there are less nuclear weapons lying around, is the strengthened position this puts the United States in relation to Iran.  The diplomatic process with Iran over its nuclear enrichment program has had the West on edge for a year, with some even suggesting another war to add to the list.  The agreement immediately puts further pressure on Iranian nuclear ambitions, and early reports are already saying that both Russia, and now even China, are on board with sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

This has been a huge week for the Obama Presidency, and even if it doesn't reach the category of general knowledge, it's difficult to argue with success.

Watch the President's brief comments below: