The U.S. Confirms Iran's Compliance with the Nuclear Agreement; 'Non-Nuclear Sanctions Are on the Way'

The Trump administration has confirmed to the U.S. Congress that Iran remains compliant with the provisions of the nuclear agreement and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), although it has acted contrary to its 'spirit.' At the same time, a senior U.S. official stated that the current confirmation comes with 'suspicion' towards Tehran and that non-nuclear sanctions are forthcoming. The Trump administration had until Monday, July 17 (U.S. time) to report to Congress on the implementation of the nuclear agreement. According to the agreements made, this report must be submitted to U.S. lawmakers every 90 days. Donald Trump has been a staunch critic of the negotiations and agreement between Tehran, the Obama administration, and five other world powers, promising to abandon it if he won the election. After Trump's victory, U.S. officials did not emphasize the unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement, although they have repeatedly stated that it will be reviewed. The report submitted to Congress indicates that Washington has currently confirmed the implementation of the JCPOA, and Tehran can still benefit from the exemptions and lifting of related sanctions. This report was submitted on the second anniversary of the nuclear agreement. Trump has been in office for over six months. A senior White House official told reporters that 'commitments have been met based on the information received by the United States.' However, this senior U.S. official added that the country views Iran's actions, described as 'malign,' with 'suspicion,' and these actions are contrary to the 'spirit of the JCPOA': 'Our judgment is that Iran's actions have severely undermined the meaning of [the nuclear agreement].' The last confirmation of the nuclear agreement by the U.S. government was provided in April, at which time non-nuclear sanctions against Tehran were also imposed. The U.S. official stated that new sanctions are now expected in connection with Iran's missile program and the 'production of fast boats.' American media report that this White House official has refrained from providing details about these sanctions. The U.S. government has accused Iran of conducting provocative actions against its military forces and 'navigational processes in international waters' using 'fast boats' in the Persian Gulf. Two days ago, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, requesting the U.S. Department of Defense to establish a communication line with Iran to avoid accidental conflict with Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf. In this context, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated: 'We have no communication channel with the Trump administration.' Zarif: 'The U.S. has not respected the spirit of the JCPOA due to its wrong policies.' A senior Republican representative in Congress stated: 'Iran is seeking nuclear weapons even without cheating.' Zarif, in an interview with CNN, stated: 'The agency has confirmed Iran's compliance with the JCPOA seven times.'