Mattis: The U.S. Will Collaborate with Allies to Prevent Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons

The U.S. Secretary of Defense stated one day after the country's withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran, which was based on U.S. collaboration with its allies, that Washington will work with its allies to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. On Wednesday, May 8, James Mattis said at a Senate committee meeting: 'We will continue to work with our allies and partners to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to address other harmful actions by Iran.' 'This administration will remain committed to prioritizing the security of our citizens.' However, James Mattis had previously stated in October that remaining in the nuclear agreement was in the national interest of the United States. In January, he also mentioned that the nuclear agreement with Iran is 'not flawless,' but once the U.S. signed it, it should remain committed to its obligations and cooperate with allied countries. Last month, he stated that under this agreement, 'rigorous inspections' are conducted at Iran's nuclear facilities and sites. Despite this, James Mattis strongly criticized the Iranian government for its 'harmful actions,' including support for Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and the Houthis in Yemen. He said: 'We have not seen any reduction in Iran's harmful actions at the regional level. Yet we exited the JCPOA because we concluded that it is not desirable in the long term.' The U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement has increased the risk of war and further conflicts in the Middle East, caused frustration among America's European allies, and raised doubts about the stability of the global oil market. According to the nuclear agreement of July 2015, which was negotiated by representatives of Iran, the U.S., and five global powers, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions. The main goal of this agreement is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The Trump administration has left the door open for negotiations with Europeans regarding an alternative agreement, but it is unclear whether the Europeans will accept such an approach, and even if they do, there is no guarantee they can persuade Iran. The U.S. Secretary of Defense stated in the Senate that the President's decision to withdraw from the JCPOA was not hasty. He added: 'The President could not truly confirm that this agreement was being implemented well and in line with the objectives that should be achieved according to the JCPOA.'