Tillerson: The U.S. Will Consider All Iranian Threats in Policy Review

Rex Tillerson stated on Thursday, September 14, that the U.S. continues to review its policy towards Iran and will consider all threats from Tehran, not just its nuclear capabilities. President Donald Trump ordered in April that the issue be examined to determine whether suspending the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran would serve U.S. national interests. He has called this agreement 'the worst deal ever negotiated.' Tillerson, who is in London for a joint press conference with his British counterpart Boris Johnson, said, 'The Trump administration continues to review its policy towards Iran... but no decision has been made yet.' He added, 'President Trump has made it clear... we need to consider the totality of the threats from Iran, not just its nuclear capabilities, which will only be part of our approach towards Iran.' Tillerson emphasized that Iran has clearly fallen short of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear agreement. Among the threats he cited were Iran's support for Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, the reckless expansion of its ballistic missile program, and its 'hostile activities in the region.' Iran and six world powers reached a comprehensive agreement on Tehran's nuclear activities in July 2015, under which Iran agreed to halt many of its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting or suspension of international sanctions. Since Trump took office in January, the U.S. has adopted a more hardline approach towards the Islamic Republic, repeatedly accusing Iran of violating the 'spirit of the JCPOA.' However, Washington has confirmed twice in the past nine months that Iran has complied with its commitments under the JCPOA. The U.S. is calling for more rigorous verification of Tehran's compliance and has proposed inspections of Iranian military sites, a request that has angered Iranian officials who have rejected it. On another note, Tillerson referred to the North Korean crisis and expressed agreement with Trump's assessment of the recent UN Security Council resolution, which he called 'a small step.' However, he stated that the Security Council's action 'sends a proper message to the North Korean regime and those who assist its activities, indicating that the international community considers North Korea's missile and nuclear programs a serious threat.' Tillerson also addressed the crisis in Myanmar and the displaced Rohingya Muslims, stating that the violence by the country's military is 'unacceptable' and must stop. In the latest wave of violence in Myanmar, which began two weeks ago, over 370,000 members of the Rohingya Muslim minority have fled to Bangladesh, and hundreds have been killed in military attacks. In this context, the U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that they are still reviewing the nuclear agreement with Iran. Zarif mentioned that the agency can visit sites with potential nuclear activities. Netanyahu, on the eve of a meeting with Trump, stated that the JCPOA should be canceled or amended. Dozens of nuclear experts have called for the U.S. to remain in the nuclear agreement with Iran. The U.S. House of Representatives voted on amendments banning the sale of commercial aircraft to Iran. Three Iranians were indicted in a U.S. federal court for 'violating sanctions.' The British Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the JCPOA in a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State.