On Iran: The Opposition Welcomes Trump’s and US Policy

U.S. President Donald Trump

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Huffington Post, October 13, 2017 - President Trump delivered a crucial speech. He disavowed the nuclear agreement and denounced the Islamic Republic and the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He stated “As I have said many times, the Iran deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into,” He added that “multiple violations of the agreement,” have occurred since the nuclear deal was reached. He stated that Iran has “failed to meet our expectations in its operations of advanced centrifuges,” as well as “intimidated” IAEA’s inspectors.

He pointed  out “We cannot and will not make this certification. We will not continue down a path whose predictable conclusion is more violence, more terror and the very real threat of Iran’s nuclear breakout....I am directing my administration to work closely with Congress and our allies to address the deal’s many serious flaws so that the Iranian regime can never threaten the world with nuclear weapons.” He also referred to the deficiencies of the agreement including the sunset clauses that removes restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program when the nuclear agreement expires. He explained  “In the event we are not able to reach a solution working with Congress and our allies, then the agreement will be terminated. It is under continuous review and our participation can be canceled by me as President at any time.” In addition, the the Treasury Department issued a statement today to impose sanctions on the IRGC over its support for terrorist groups and organizations.

Haley: Russia Making JCPOA an ‘Empty Promise’

U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Russia's interference is making it less likely the Iran nuclear deal can continue.

If the Iran nuclear deal is to have any meaning, the parties must have a common understanding of its terms. Iranian officials have already said they will refuse to allow inspections at military sites, even though the IAEA‎ says there must be no distinction between military and non-military sites. Now it appears that some countries are attempting to shield Iran from even more inspections. Without inspections, the Iran deal is an empty promise.

The U.S. Mission to the UN said the statement was precipitated by a Reuters report that International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Yukiya Amano has confirmed the agency is seeking “more clarification” on inspection and verification. This refers to Section T of the JCPOA, a provision that bans activities that could “contribute to the design and development of a nuclear explosive device.”

Russia’s ambassador has stated his nation does not believe those inspections are within the IAEA’s mandate with regard to Iran. The U.S. has said repeatedly that Iran must open its military facilities to inspectors.