Reuters Report on Senate Draft After Non-Approval of JCPOA

Reuters reports that a draft bill in the U.S. Senate regarding Iran has been seen, which outlines 'tough conditions' following Donald Trump's non-approval of the JCPOA, and if passed, could facilitate the reinstatement of sanctions in various areas. On November 2, Reuters stated that this draft introduces new conditions, including restrictions on ballistic missile testing capable of carrying nuclear warheads, and a request for permission for inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency to visit any site they wish. The report from Reuters effectively confirms a similar report previously published by the Associated Press regarding this draft. Like the Associated Press, Reuters states that this plan has been prepared by Bob Corker, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and other Republican Senator Tom Cotton, with the support of the Trump administration. Critics of this plan believe that its approval could put the United States in a position of violating an international agreement. The Associated Press report on October 20 mentioned sections of the draft, such as the reinstatement of sanctions against Tehran if it tests, builds, or develops intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of carrying warheads, including any attempts to convert tools or satellite launch vehicles into intercontinental ballistic missiles. Furthermore, Reuters reported that, as previously mentioned, this plan calls for the immediate reinstatement of sanctions if it is determined that Iran is capable of building nuclear weapons within a year. According to Reuters, Senator Corker has met with several Democratic senators since the introduction of the draft, at least some of whom may support the bill's passage. The European Union, France, Britain, Germany, China, and Russia, countries that had representatives in negotiations with Tehran over the nuclear agreement alongside the United States, have opposed its dismantling by Washington. Reuters states that Senator Corker told the agency last week that the U.S. government must work closely with its European allies to develop its new policy towards Iran. The U.S. government claims that Iran is not adhering to the spirit of the nuclear agreement. Iran has rejected this accusation and has countered by accusing the United States of not adhering to the spirit of the JCPOA. Washington states that issues such as Iran's destabilizing actions in the Middle East and missile tests are contrary to the spirit of the JCPOA. Iran claims its missile tests are defensive and will continue them. Tehran denies interference in the affairs of other countries and states that its military and paramilitary groups in the region are engaged in combating 'terrorism.' On the other hand, the U.S. considers Iran to be the most significant state sponsor of terrorism. The U.S. government is required to provide a report to Congress every 90 days on Iran's compliance or non-compliance with the JCPOA. Mr. Trump, in the last deadline two weeks ago, during the announcement of his administration's new strategy towards Tehran, refrained from certifying Iran's compliance with the JCPOA and left planning regarding it - at least for now - to Congress.