Although President Donald Trump did not walk away from the Iran nuclear deal by decertifying it, critics say, he is risking a negative outcome, possibly leading to military action. On Friday, the president made the long-awaited announcement, thus leaving it to Congress to make a decision as to whether to reimpose sanctions on Tehran in the next 60 days. In case they do, that would mean the U.S. is directly violating the terms of the agreement.
Trump also said the deal would be “terminated” should lawmakers fail to address the numerous flaws of the agreement.
However, even if the U.S. does not abandon the deal altogether, Trump’s move will certainly cause the United States to lose credibility and is risking Iran to retribute, claim experts and critics.
“From an international perspective, walking away from the deal undermines U.S. credibility internationally and will discourage other countries, such as North Korea, from resolving their disputes with Washington diplomatically,” the director of the Iran Observed Project at the Middle East Institute said.
Meanwhile, Trump pointed out the U.S. would implement a tougher policy on Iran for aspects of its behavior not covered with the deal. Part of this policy are the sanctions on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps which Trump also announced he would impose, which supporters believe will send “a strong message”.
Opponents say Trump’s decision will have severe consequences, including potential retribution from Iran on U.S. allies and troops. Furthermore, they point out there is a possibility of tensions increasing between U.S. and Iranian naval forces in the Persian Gulf.
Ahmad Majidyar, the director of the project further noted the IRGC had long been implying they would “step up efforts to undermine U.S. interests in the region,” if the president followed on his threat to abandon the deal.
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