Anna Schumann
aschumann@armscontrolcenter.org
202.546.0795 #2115
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington – The Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, a leading organization in the research and analysis of nuclear weapons policy, released the following statement in response to President Trump’s decision to abandon the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear agreement:
“The Iran nuclear agreement includes the most robust inspection and verification measures ever negotiated,” said John Tierney, a former U.S. congressman and the Center’s Executive Director. “For nearly three years, U.S. intelligence agencies and the International Atomic Energy Agency have repeatedly confirmed that Iran is complying with the deal, and Iran is verifiably blocked from developing or obtaining a nuclear weapon. With those facts readily apparent, it is clear that the President’s decision is not based on Iranian compliance, but instead on domestic politics and his own preconceived, fictitious notions about the agreement.”
“The Iran nuclear agreement is not just an agreement between the United States and Iran,” said Alexandra Bell, the Center’s Senior Policy Director and a former State Department Senior Advisor. “Our key European allies, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, are also partners to the agreement, as are Russia and China. All have confirmed that Iran is complying with its obligations. President Trump’s decision is an affront to our allies and will isolate this nation, putting our security at risk.”
Congressman Tierney added, “It is particularly ironic that President Trump is trashing one nuclear agreement just before his anticipated summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, where he will attempt to negotiate another nuclear agreement. The North Koreans now come to the negotiating table in a position of strength, with the ability to ask, ‘Why should we trust you?’ Unfortunately, even the most skilled American diplomat will struggle to answer.”
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