US Secretary of State Pomepo is talking about the #IranDeal right now - c-span.org/networks/?chan…
Pompeo reiterates an often used criticism of the #IranDeal, namely that the agreement expires. This mischaracterization ignores key provisions that remain in place in perpetuity, such as more intrusive monitoring & a prohibition on weaponization activities
Pompeo says the Trump administration will ensure that Iran has no path to a nuclear weapon, by applying “unprecedented financial pressure” & the “strongest sanctions in history.”
The US just violated the deal & alienated itself from key allies, so where is this pressure going to come from? The EU - which was critical for pressuring Iran into talks in 2013 - is discussing measures to block US sanctions. China & Russia remain committed to the #IranDeal
The US has only isolated itself & risked the future of sanctions as a tool of statecraft.
Pompeo’s says the US is looking for support from key allies to pursue its “better deal” - particularly the Europeans. Violating a deal that Washington’s allies supported and is endorsed by the UN Security Council is not the way to go about gaining support.
Pompeo compared the JCPOA to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Critical to remember that the #IranDeal is not a US nuclear cooperation agreement. The UAE voluntarily gave up the pursuit of enrichment and reprocessing in an agreement with the US- capabilities that the UAE doesn't have
Also, Pompeo referenced former Secretary of State John Kerry’s comment on the “right to enrich”
Kerry was clear - the US does not recognize a right to enrich, but acknowledged that Iran already had the capability. Can’t put the genie back in the bottle
Kerry was clear - the US does not recognize a right to enrich, but acknowledged that Iran already had the capability. Can’t put the genie back in the bottle
Pompeo is questioned on bringing allies back on board with the US approach & sanctions. He says “shared interests” will drive a global pressure campaign. That is not a strategy. And he does not address the fact that the EU is already taking steps to block US measures
Pompeo also claimed that withdrawing froth #IranDeal & pursing a better deal is in the interest of US national security & prevents proliferation in the region. How does isolating the US from key allies & jeopardizing limits on Iran’s program accomplish those goals? It doesn’t.
