Trump: Iran Violates the 'Spirit' of the JCPOA; U.S. Extends Suspension of Nuclear Sanctions

The President of the United States states that Iran is disregarding the 'spirit' of the nuclear agreement with its actions, and the United States will not tolerate such behavior. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has announced that Washington will continue to suspend sanctions related to the Iran nuclear deal. During a trip to storm-hit Florida, Mr. Trump told reporters on the plane that Iran's performance undermines the 'spirit' of the nuclear agreement, and his administration will not tolerate this behavior. The U.S. President did not directly address whether Washington would confirm Tehran's compliance with the JCPOA at the end of the usual 90-day period. In response to a question on this matter, he stated, 'You will see soon.' Trump again described the agreement, which was formed during the administration of former President Barack Obama among Tehran, the United States, China, France, Germany, Britain, and Russia, as 'one of the worst deals.' The U.S. government is required to report to Congress every 90 days on Iran's compliance with the nuclear agreement, with the next deadline approaching in mid-October. Additionally, Washington must review the sanctions related to the Iran nuclear deal every 120 days and decide whether to continue or suspend them. The last 120-day suspension was issued at the end of May. This time, the authorization for the suspension of these sanctions has been issued, although doubts about the fate of the agreement persist. Heather Nauert, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated that her government 'has confirmed the suspension [of sanctions] to maintain some flexibility.' However, Ms. Nauert added that the removal of some of these sanctions should not be interpreted as a sign of Donald Trump's or the U.S. government's position towards Iran or an endorsement of certain behaviors and actions by Tehran. The previous extension of the suspension of sanctions was accompanied by the addition of several names to the list of sanctions related to Tehran's missile program. On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury Department also sanctioned 11 entities and individuals to counter the IRGC's missile program, the Quds Force's activities outside Iran, and cyberattacks against the United States. Mr. Trump has heavily criticized the nuclear agreement during his presidential campaign, even stating that he would abandon it if he won. Although the agreement remains in place since his victory, and the U.S. government has confirmed it twice so far, Washington has emphasized that Iran is not adhering to the 'spirit' of the agreement. Rex Tillerson, the U.S. Secretary of State, stated on September 14 that the U.S. will continue to review its policy towards Iran and will consider all threats, not just Iran's nuclear capabilities. Heather Nauert also recently reminded that Tehran is not adhering to the spirit of the agreement; the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) calls for the establishment of peace and political and regional stability, and Iran has not complied with these matters. On the other hand, Tehran has also accused Washington of violating the 'spirit' of the nuclear agreement and creating obstacles to the full implementation of the JCPOA. Iranian officials have also stated that the nuclear agreement and the JCPOA were not formed solely between Iran and the United States, and the U.S. cannot unilaterally review, discuss, or negotiate it. The nuclear agreement, two years ago, led to the cessation of a significant portion of Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of related sanctions.