Trump Extends Suspension of Iran's Nuclear Sanctions for the 'Last Time'; Calls for Reform of the JCPOA

On Friday, the U.S. President extended the suspension of Iran's nuclear sanctions for the 'last time' and stated that he seeks to reform the nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA with Iran, which was negotiated by six world powers. The U.S. Treasury Department also imposed new sanctions against the Islamic Republic, targeting 14 individuals and entities, including Sadegh Larijani, the head of the judiciary. Previously, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin had promised that non-nuclear sanctions, particularly those related to human rights, would be enforced against Iran. In a statement on January 12, Donald Trump emphasized that this is the last time he will extend the suspension of Iran's nuclear sanctions and that the flaws in this agreement must be addressed. Trump's statement read: 'Today, I am announcing a waiver of certain nuclear sanctions, but only to preserve our European partners' agreement to address the terrible flaws in the Iran nuclear deal. This is the last chance. In the absence of such an agreement, the United States will not extend the sanctions waiver to remain in the nuclear deal again. And if at any time I determine that such an agreement is unattainable, I will immediately withdraw from this agreement.' The U.S. President added: 'Against my strong desire, I have not withdrawn the United States from the Iran nuclear deal. Instead, I have outlined two paths forward: either the catastrophic flaws in this agreement are corrected, or the United States will withdraw from this agreement.' He also mentioned his readiness to work with Congress to draft a bipartisan resolution regarding Iran, but any legislation he signs must include four critical components. Trump outlined these four critical components as follows: 'First, it must require Iran to allow immediate inspections of all sites requested by international inspectors. Second, it must ensure that Iran does not even come close to acquiring a nuclear weapon. Third, unlike the nuclear deal, these components should not have expiration dates. My policy is to prevent all pathways for Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon – not just for ten years – but forever. If Iran fails to meet any of these requirements, U.S. nuclear sanctions will automatically snap back. Fourth, this resolution must – for the first time – publicly declare in U.S. law that the long-range missile program and nuclear weapons program are inseparable, and the development and testing of missiles by Iran must be subject to severe sanctions.' Trump also stated that the Iranian regime is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism. This regime has enabled Hezbollah, Hamas, and many other terrorists to create chaos and kill innocent people. This government has financed and armed over 100,000 militias to destroy the entire Middle East. Trump added that the regime supports the criminal government of Bashar al-Assad and helps it massacre the people of that country. The U.S. President further described Iran's ballistic missile program as a threat to regional countries. Trump also emphasized that within Iran, the leader and the Revolutionary Guard suppress the people through widespread arrests and torture, attempting to silence the Iranian people. The ruling class in Iran allows the nation to starve while they enrich themselves by plundering national wealth. According to current U.S. laws, the President is required to report to Congress about Iran's compliance with the JCPOA every 90 days. However, the last time, on October 13, Trump refrained from certifying this issue. Following his refusal, Congress has not made a decision on this matter, and the 90-day deadline is once again approaching. Additionally, the President must extend the suspension of Iran's nuclear sanctions every 120 days. Since murmurs of the U.S. President's dissent regarding the nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA began, Europeans have launched a campaign and insisted on their support for this agreement in Europe and the U.S. The Trump administration and its supporters argue that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not adhering to the 'spirit of the JCPOA' due to its missile tests and activities in the region, including in Syria and Yemen. Trump has also expressed concern about the 'sunset clause' in the Iran nuclear agreement. The 'sunset clause' pertains to the lifting of restrictions after the time period of the nuclear agreement with Iran, raising concerns that 'Iran could achieve the ability to build nuclear weapons even before the agreement ends.'