Status of US-Iran Nuclear deal

Why in news?

US Administration pledges to toughen enforcement of the deal and increase pressure on Tehran.

What is the US-Iran nuclear deal about?

According to the deal made between earlier US administration and Iran:

• It is not a bilateral pact, it contains terms and conditions.
• America and its allies will recognise Iran’s right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, as guaranteed by the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
• Iran will enrich uranium, the vital process that could be used to make the core of a nuclear bomb, this will be monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
• Iran will allow IAEA inspectors more powers to monitor its nuclear plants and other facilities.
• Once the IAEA has confirmed that Iran has taken steps to reduce its nuclear presence, America and its allies will lift all nuclear-related economic sanctions, including oil embargos and financial restrictions.

What is the stand of present US administration?

• Present US administration has repeatedly condemned the deal brokered by President Barack Obama as a dangerous surrender to Iran.
• U.S. administration don’t want to certify that Iran is fulfilling with an international nuclear agreement.
• The Present government is intended to toughen enforcement of the deal, apply new sanctions on Iran for its “support of terrorism” and other “destabilising activities”.
• US has also endorsed the Saudi-led Sunni bloc’s attempts to isolate Iran.
• There are plans for a negotiation with European partners to craft a broader strategy to increase pressure on Tehran.

Why US cannot decide independently on the deal?

• The nuclear deal was reached among seven entities, including the U.S., Russia, Germany and Iran.
• Any unilateral move to withdraw from the agreement would hurt American interests as European countries are keen on expanding economic ties with Iran.
• By law, the US administration is required to notify Congress every 90 days whether Iran is living up to the deal, and no decision can be made by the US administration alone.

Why US should change its stand?

• The policy of containing Iran could backfire as Iran has already established itself as a rising regional power with substantial geopolitical clout.
• To stabilise Syria, the U.S. needs Iran’s help, there won’t be a long-lasting peace deal in Syria without Iran’s participation and cooperation.
• If the U.S. is serious about working towards peace and stability in West Asia, it should reciprocate Iran’s compliance with the nuclear deal.
• It should also act as a mediator between Saudi Arabia and Iran, instead of taking sides in a destabilising cold war in West Asia.

Source: The Hindu