By Canadian Press

In addressing Middle East tensions, Trump calls for end to Iran nuclear deal

Jan 8, 2020 | 9:23 AM

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is calling on five of the world’s most powerful nations to follow his lead and abandon their controversial 2015 agreement aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Speaking to his nation following Iran’s retaliatory strike early Wednesday against military bases in Iraq, Trump urged the U.K., Germany, France, Russia and China to acknowledge flaws he sees in the deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

He says the “very defective” Obama-era agreement, which the Trump administration abandoned in 2018, is too short-term and too lax and gives Iran a “clear and quick path” towards developing a nuclear arsenal.

That position is at odds with the view of Canada’s Liberal government, which champions the deal as an important component of international efforts to keep the world safe from nuclear proliferation. 

Just last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Charles Michel, president of the European Council, reiterated their collective support for the agreement and its role in promoting regional stability in the Middle East.

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Trump also promised a new round of crippling economic sanctions against Iran, which has been on a war footing with the U.S. ever since an American drone strike last week killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani, a senior Iranian military leader.

“Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions and end its support for terrorism,” Trump said during a televised address from the White House.  

“The time has come for the U.K., Germany, France, Russia and China to recognize this reality they must now break away from the remnants of the Iran deal … and we must all work together towards making a deal with Iran that make the world a safer and more peaceful place.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2020.

The Canadian Press