Bob Corker: Iran Nuclear Deal Will Not Be Torn Up; It Will Be Under Intense Scrutiny

The Chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bob Corker, stated on Friday, January 7, that abruptly abandoning the nuclear deal with Iran could lead to 'a crisis.' Corker made this remark during a breakfast meeting with reporters organized by the Christian Science Monitor, emphasizing that he does not expect the Donald Trump administration to reject the agreement. He stated, 'I don't think this agreement is going to be torn up.' However, Corker also indicated that there will be intense scrutiny of this international agreement. Corker is among the American lawmakers who opposed the nuclear negotiations and agreement between Iran and six world powers, like all Republican representatives. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he had greater influence and a more prominent role in voicing opposition. Nevertheless, he had previously stated in late November that 'the starting point should be to force them (the Iranian government) to adhere strictly to the nuclear agreement. And I think we need to keep the Europeans and others engaged in this process.' According to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), reached in July 2015 between Iran and six world powers, many of Tehran's nuclear activities were suspended in exchange for the lifting or reduction of crippling international sanctions against Iran. Donald Trump, the U.S. President-elect, had called the nuclear deal with Iran 'the worst deal ever' during his campaign and stated that he would 'tear it up' if elected president. Iranian Foreign Ministry officials have repeatedly dismissed Trump's statements as 'campaign rhetoric' and said that claims made during the U.S. election campaign should not be taken seriously. However, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic, responded to these remarks on June 15, stating, 'We will not violate the JCPOA, but if the Americans tear it up, we will burn it.' The Obama administration, which will end its eight-year term in two weeks, has warned that if the next U.S. president takes action against the nuclear agreement with Iran, it would have dangerous consequences. Foreign ministers of the European Union member states also reiterated their support for the nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers on November 15. Recently, 37 Iranian scholars and writers wrote a letter to Donald Trump, urging him to preserve the JCPOA, stating that 'this agreement prevents a catastrophic war between the United States and Iran.' Earlier in early December, 30 Iranian political and civil activists abroad wrote a letter to Trump, requesting that the new U.S. administration 'expand existing sanctions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the financial empire of Ayatollah Khamenei.' In this context, Corker stated: 'It is better to act in coordination with Europe and others regarding the nuclear agreement.' Obama: 'Trump will eventually recognize the value of the nuclear agreement with Iran.' The U.S. Secretary of State: 'The nuclear agreement with Iran has made the region and the world safer.' Rouhani: 'Are we going to let them tear up the JCPOA?' Netanyahu: 'I will discuss the cancellation of the JCPOA and existing options with Trump.' A letter from dozens of American scholars to Trump to preserve the 'JCPOA.' A letter from a group of Iranian scholars and writers to Trump: 'Preserve the JCPOA.'