Haley: If the U.S. is to take the JCPOA seriously, other issues must also be taken seriously

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations says that the United States wants the European Union, the international community, and Iran to take further actions to stop Tehran's activities in the region and its mistreatment of Iranian citizens, so that Washington can also take the nuclear agreement seriously. Nikki Haley, on January 17, stated in an interview with the English-language "Voice of America" that the U.S. remains committed to the nuclear agreement, but if the other side does not fulfill its obligations, the United States will respond similarly. In response to a question from a "Voice of America" reporter about the consequences of abandoning the "JCPOA," she said: "This is not the time for 'we give you money and hope your behavior is good.' This is the time for 'if you want us to be part of the agreement, you must also comply with all its terms.'" Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the UN, cited Iran's actions in supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen, "supporting terrorism," mistreatment and violation of the rights of Iranian citizens, or supporting Bashar al-Assad's regime as unacceptable actions of the Iranian government. Haley added, "We say that if you want the U.S. to take the [nuclear] agreement seriously, the EU, the global community, and Iran must also increase efforts to stop these issues." She stated that these are not part of the nuclear agreement but clearly violate UN resolutions. Referring to a "[UN] report" on arms sales, ballistic missile tests, or "support for terrorism" by Iran, she added, "We are not the only country saying these things. We are now showing the global community that there are still dangerous issues... and action must be taken on them." Haley's recent remarks echo the repeated criticisms of the U.S. President regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran. The U.S. President announced on October 14 that his administration could not certify Iran's compliance with the nuclear agreement with world powers and left the decision on this matter to the U.S. Congress. Trump believes that Iran's continued missile activities and the Islamic Republic's regional policies "contradict the spirit of the nuclear agreement." He has also expressed concern about the "sunset clause" in the Iran nuclear agreement, which pertains to the lifting of restrictions after a certain period of the nuclear agreement with Iran. The U.S. administration is reportedly seeking to eliminate this clause. On the other hand, Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister, has stated that the continuation of the nuclear agreement between Iran and the six world powers depends on the full compliance of the U.S. with this agreement. Additionally, Europe, as well as Russia and China, other negotiating parties with Iran, have supported the agreement. The UN Secretary-General has also expressed support for the preservation and adherence to the JCPOA. The nuclear agreement was reached in July 2015. Barack Obama, the then-President, and his administration, along with other negotiating parties with Iran, supported this agreement. Republicans and the Israeli government were among the opponents and critics of the agreement. Trump has consistently expressed his criticisms of this agreement and has even referred to it as "the worst deal."