Trump: Iran Will Face Major Problems If It Resumes Its Nuclear Program

On Tuesday, April 23, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the Iran nuclear deal again, calling it a "disaster" that "should never have happened." His remarks were made during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and at a joint press conference at the White House. France is a supporter of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Trump emphasized that if Iran resumes its nuclear program, it will face "bigger problems" than before. This seems to refer to recent threats from Iranian officials, including President Hassan Rouhani, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, and Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization, who have stated that resuming nuclear activities is one option if the U.S. withdraws from the JCPOA. Rouhani warned Washington in Tabriz that it would have to accept the "serious consequences" of canceling the nuclear agreement. In response to these threats, Trump stated at the joint press conference that "if Iran threatens us in any way, it will pay a price that very few countries have paid before." He added, "I hold many responsible for this bad deal, including the U.S. Congress and many others, and it should never have been made. But I say if Iran threatens us, it will pay a price that very few countries have paid." He also mentioned that Iran would not have an easy time resuming its nuclear program. Trump referred to Iran's missile program, stating that Tehran's missile tests would create problems in the region. According to Trump, "wherever you look at a problem in the region, you see Iran's finger on it: Syria, Yemen, Iraq." He remarked that the JCPOA did not address the issues of Yemen, Syria, or ballistic missiles. Trump said, "We made this terrible deal, but we are going to negotiate about it." Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to suspend many of its nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions against Tehran. Macron visited Washington to negotiate bilateral relations and to convince Trump not to withdraw from the JCPOA while imposing sanctions on Iran's missile program and its "negative" role in the Middle East. He told Trump that the JCPOA should be viewed as part of the "bigger picture" of regional security. At the end of their meeting, Trump stated that he might soon reach an agreement with Macron regarding the JCPOA. Macron emphasized that regarding Iran, this issue should be considered within the framework of regional challenges. He noted the situation in Syria, the overall security issue in the region, and stated that they share a common goal of preventing competition and the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the region. Thus, the question is which path is better. Hours after these statements, Trump indicated that he might soon reach an agreement with Macron regarding the JCPOA. He told reporters, "I think we had important discussions about Iran, and we are looking to do something." He added, "At the very least, we can quickly reach an agreement between ourselves. I think we are completely coming to a consensus." Over the past year, Trump has repeatedly called the nuclear agreement made in July 2015 by six world powers, including the United States and Iran, the "worst" deal that should not have been made. He claims that the Islamic Republic has not adhered to the "spirit of the JCPOA" and has played a destructive role in regional and international peace and stability. On Tuesday, Trump again referred to Iran benefiting from the release of "$150 billion" of its assets as a result of the JCPOA and emphasized that Iran also received $1.5 billion in cash from the U.S. This refers to the payment of principal and interest on a canceled military contract between Tehran and Washington after the 1979 revolution, which was sent to Tehran on a private plane during the Obama administration, coinciding with the release of Iranian-American prisoners from Iranian prisons. On January 12 of last year, Trump stated that he would extend the suspension of sanctions against Iran for the last time as part of the JCPOA unless Washington's European partners address the "disastrous flaws" of the agreement. According to him, otherwise, the U.S. would withdraw from the JCPOA. Trump's deadline is set to expire on May 12. Iran has also threatened that if the U.S. withdraws from the JCPOA, it may accelerate its nuclear program faster than before. Mohammad Javad Zarif, Iran's foreign minister, told CBS that "we have several options in mind that are ready, including resuming our nuclear activities at a much faster pace than before." Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, also stated on Tuesday before departing for Russia that "we have prepared surprising actions that will be announced in due time." He mentioned that withdrawing from the NPT is "one of Iran's three different options." Trump and his wife Melania will host a formal dinner for the French President and his wife on Tuesday night, the first of such dinners during Trump's presidency. According to a White House source, Trump has decided, contrary to usual traditions, not to invite any Democratic members of Congress or reporters to the dinner. However, some senior Democratic officials, including Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, are expected to attend. Among the topics discussed by the two leaders are the European Union's request to be exempted from Trump's plan to impose a 25% import tariff on steel and Trump's desire to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria as soon as possible. Macron has asked Trump to keep U.S. troops in Syria until the Islamic State is definitively defeated. During his welcoming remarks to Macron, Trump thanked France for joining the U.S. and Britain in missile strikes against Syria. Trump added that he and Macron have established "a great friendly relationship over the past year, which is a sign of the deep bond between the two countries." Macron also called for cooperation between the two countries in combating the Islamic State, addressing North Korea and Iran, and in "free and fair trade" and climate change. The French President added, "Together we can counter the development of weapons of mass destruction in both North Korea and Iran." He did not directly refer to Trump's withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement, stating, "We do not always agree on solutions, but the future of our children is at stake." Macron's three-day official visit to Washington reflects the importance both countries place on their relationship. Macron, who is in regular contact with Trump, has somewhat taken on the role of Europe's representative in relations with Washington.