Trump Breaks Iran Promise; Will The World Trust Us Again?

President Trump’s decision to break America’s word by pulling out of the Iran nuclear agreement has stunned the world. Trump intentionally defied three of our closest friends and allies – France, Germany and Britain. The Iran deal was negotiated by all five of the permanent members of the UN Security Council – the US, UK, France, China and Russia with the addition of Germany (P5+1).

The 2015 nuclear agreement was an enormous success by stopping Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran was literally months away from completing their weapons when this agreement abruptly ended their program. This breakthrough was a unique example of successful diplomacy by the leading members of the UN.

According to the UN’s nuclear inspectors, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran is complying with every part of the nuclear deal. “As of today, I can state that Iran is implementing its nuclear-related commitments,” IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano said on March 5.

Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons had been a bipartisan objective of both Republicans and Democrats until President Obama achieved that goal in concert with the international community. Once Obama completed this remarkable peace initiative, Republicans immediately condemned it. Up until the time of Obama’s enormous victory in uniting the world community, Republicans overwhelmingly supported ending Iran’s nuclear program.

By nearly every objective measure, the Iran nuclear deal has been a success. Most experts on the left agree with that assessment. However, many conservatives hold the same view. According to the American Conservative (founded by Republican conservative Pat Buchanan), the Iran deal is a success.

From a quote in the American Conservative, “The Iran deal is a success. The U.S. and the rest of the P5+1 advanced the cause of nonproliferation and greatly reduced the risk of war with Iran over its nuclear program, and Iran has been and continues to be in compliance with the terms of the deal.”

British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron called Trump’s decision to pull out of the Iran deal a matter of “regret and concern.” They all agreed to keep their promises to abide by the Iran nuclear accord. They immediately issued a joint statement condemning Trump for breaking America’s promise to the world.

“It is with regret and concern that we, the leaders of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, take note of President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States of America from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action [JCPOA].

Both Russia and China have repeatedly warned Trump not to defy the international community by pulling out of the agreement. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stressed that “both Iran and China are committed to protecting the nuclear deal.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has also warned of the negative consequences for an American withdrawal. “It would have very negative consequences for the non-proliferation system and the world order,” said Lavrov.

Former President Obama warned that it was a mistake to ignore the experts that negotiated the deal.

“Walking away from the JCPOA turns our back on America’s closest allies, and an agreement that our country’s leading diplomats, scientists, and intelligence professionals negotiated,” said Obama.

Not only is President Trump breaking America’s promise to the world he is isolating our nation from the majority opinion of the international community. Rather than leading the diplomatic world, Trump is turning his back on America’s historic role as peace brokers.

Trump has insulted our allies and put his thumb in the eye of diplomacy. How can the world ever trust America again when President Trump arrogantly discards a solemn pledge made to the leaders of the world?

by Rick Smith
Posted 5/10/18