EU foreign ministers meet to discuss Donald Trump’s backtrack on Iran deal
The European Union Foreign Affairs Council will meet today in Luxembourg. President Donald Trump’s decision not to certify Iran’s compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is certain to top the agenda.
Trump’s choice has been met with disapproval in Europe. The leaders of Britain, France and Germany released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the pact, which limits Iran’s nuclear capabilities. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said the deal “is working and delivering” and that Trump does not have the power to scuttle it.
Indeed, Trump is not unilaterally abandoning the deal, rather throwing the decision to Congress. The House and Senate have 60 days to reimpose sanctions on Iran, which is unlikely as Congress is wary of damaging US international reliability.
Expect the agreement to remain in place. But, Trump has dealt another blow to America’s credibility in upholding international agreements, already tarnished by his withdrawal from the Paris climate accord. To European leaders, the famed dealmaker has become an unreliable deal-breaker.
The Daily Brief app. Your morning guide to the day ahead.
