In brief remarks, President Trump announced that in addition to his administration’s new Iran strategy, he “cannot and will not” certify to Congress that the continued suspension of sanctions against Iran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is appropriate. Reiterating his often stated claim that “the Iran Deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into,” the president stated that he needed “negotiators who will much more strongly represent America’s interest.” The president added that, “Since the signing of the nuclear agreement, the regime’s dangerous aggression has only escalated. At the same time, it has received massive sanctions relief while continuing to develop its missiles program. Iran has also entered into lucrative business contracts with other parties to the agreement.”
Arguing that he will not “continue down a path whose predictable conclusion is more violence, more terror, and the very real threat of Iran’s nuclear breakout,” President Trump directed his administration to work with Congress and allies “to address the deal’s many serious flaws so that the Iranian regime can never threaten the world with nuclear weapons.” He added that should a solution not be reachable, “then the agreement will be terminated. It is under continuous review, and our participation can be cancelled by me, as President, at any time.”