Tillerson: The Flawed Nuclear Agreement is No Longer the Central Focus of Our Policy Towards Iran

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, in an op-ed in the New York Times, addressed the challenges facing the Trump administration nearly a year after taking office. In part of this note, he referred to Iran and Washington's policies towards Tehran. Tillerson wrote on December 27 that the U.S. is facing 'enormous challenges' from North Korea, China, and Russia, as well as efforts to eradicate terrorism globally. The initial section of Tillerson's note specifically relates to North Korea, its nuclear and missile program development, and how Washington is addressing it. In part of this note, the U.S. Secretary of State speaks about policies towards Tehran, stating that 'the flawed nuclear agreement with Iran is no longer the central focus of our policy towards Iran.' Tillerson added, 'We are now addressing all threats posed by Iran.' He stated that part of Washington's strategic policies involves rebuilding alliances among America's regional allies, mentioning efforts to improve relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The Iranian government and the Iraqi government have close relations, with Tehran supporting several predominantly Shiite militia groups in Iraq, which played a role in the fight against ISIS. Iran has also directly supported battles against ISIS in Iraq, just as a U.S.-led coalition has been present in these battles. However, the presence and influence of Iraqi militias have faced criticism, and Tillerson himself had previously called for their withdrawal from the political scene. Meanwhile, the U.S. Secretary of State had made a trip to West Asia in October, which U.S. officials described as an 'effort to create a Saudi-Iraqi axis against Iran.' In his New York Times note, Tillerson wrote that the Trump administration will continue to work with its allies and the U.S. Congress to find options to address 'the many flaws in the nuclear agreement.' He added that alongside these actions, Washington is moving towards 'establishing unified actions' to 'punish Iran for its violations of commitments regarding ballistic missile programs and its destabilizing activities in the region.' President Donald Trump has refrained from certifying Iran's compliance with the nuclear agreement in his semi-annual report to Congress. U.S. European allies and other negotiators regarding the nuclear program, including Russia and China, have called for the preservation of the nuclear agreement. The U.S. Congress has yet to take specific action regarding the nuclear agreement. Washington has accused Iran of violating the 'spirit' of the nuclear agreement. The Trump administration has also not hidden its concerns about parts of the nuclear agreement, including time-limited restrictions. Tehran has similarly accused the U.S. of violating the 'spirit' of the JCPOA and holds the U.S. responsible for obstructing the implementation of the 'Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.' The nuclear agreement was formed between the Obama administration, Russia, China, Germany, the UK, France, and Tehran. The U.S. and its European allies, Germany, France, and the UK, as well as several countries in the West Asian region, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, have criticized Iran's missile program and other actions in the region. Tehran claims its missile program is 'defensive' and will continue. In the initial section of his note, Tillerson referred to the 'threats' from Pyongyang, international sanctions against North Korea, U.S. efforts to increase pressure on that country, and 'many positive steps' from countries in this regard. He stated that the 'campaign of peaceful pressure' has had a significant impact on North Korea's revenue, which funds its 'illegal military program.' The U.S. Secretary of State has repeatedly emphasized the need to advance diplomatic efforts regarding Pyongyang and find a political solution. However, President Donald Trump's statements indicate that he is not very optimistic about the results of negotiations with North Korea; Trump has emphasized that the military option regarding North Korea is not a priority, but if the U.S. were to use such an option, the result would be 'devastating.' Tillerson wrote in part of his note that combating terrorism 'remains one of Donald Trump's top priorities.' He also mentioned Russia, stating, 'We do not indulge in any illusions about the regime we are dealing with.' The U.S. Secretary of State, referring to various challenges and what he describes as his country's vigilant position towards Moscow, stated, 'We recognize the need to cooperate with Russia on common interests.' He addressed the issue of Syria and its crisis, stating that the Russian president's 'commitment' to the Geneva peace talks has created the expectation that Russia will adhere to it. According to the U.S. Secretary of State, the realization of the talks in Geneva will lead to a Syria 'without Bashar Assad and his family.' Tillerson emphasized the use of American diplomacy globally to prevent the killing and wounding of people and violations of their rights, expressing optimism about its effectiveness.