Trump’s threat to walk away rattles key allies.
Press release on the appointment of John Bolton as National Security Advisor
The JCPOA Joint Commission met for its first full meeting since Trump's threat to pull out of the deal unless so-called “flaws” are corrected. Director General Yukiya Amano reports that the IAEA has access to all needed locations. Russia vetoed a resolution condemning Iran for failing to implement an arms embargo on Yemen, and more in this issue.
U.S. demands more constraints on Iran or else.
U.S. and E3 officials discussed Iran’s ballistic missile program and Trump's demand for a “supplemental” agreement. Security Council members visited Washington to discuss purported Iranian noncompliance with Council resolutions. The International Crisis Group released survey data from multinational companies pursuing business opportunities with Iran, and more in this issue.
Trump’s ultimatum that Congress pass legislation to unilaterally address what he describes as “flaws” in the agreement is based on flawed assumptions and puts the future of the accord in doubt.
Nuclear Agreement is a Nonproliferation Success that Must Not Be Squandered
Sanctions relief was a key topic of discussion at a regular meeting between Iran and six countries on implementation of the nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
A Nonproliferation Success That Should Not Be Squandered
Mogherini and Tillerson discussed the EU's continued support for the JCPOA ahead of several key dates. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated that Iran would not develop ballistic missiles with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers. The IAEA’s most recent quarterly report on Iran’s nuclear activities point toward Tehran’s compliance with the JCPOA, and more in this issue.
Why action now by Congress could be counterproductive.
Iran is focusing on accuracy gains rather than extending range.
BOOKS IN BRIEF: Humanization of Arms Control, by Daniel Rietiker; Iran's Nuclear Program: A Study in Proliferation and Rollback, by Farhad Rezaei
Next steps fall to Congress, as key allies appeal for U.S. to stick with the nuclear accord.
Trump’s “decertification” decision, rejected by our P5+1 partners, sets up Washington to violate the nuclear deal. Senator Bob Corker outlined a legislative framework for "fixing" the deal, while many other members of Congress relayed support for the agreement. 25 former foreign ministers urged Congress to uphold the agreement and avoid attempts to renegotiate it.