US Secretary of State to hold Iran talks with German Chancellor
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin today. Their discussions will aim to resolve tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran announced on May 8 that if the EU and China do not uphold their ends of the nuclear deal within 60 days, it will no longer limit its uranium enrichment to 3.67%. The move comes after Washington withdrew from the deal on May 8, 2018 and renewed economic sanctions on Iran on November 5.
Britain, France and Germany are caught between aligning with the US and keeping their agreements with Iran.
While US sanctions targeted Iran’s development of ballistic missiles and its support of militant groups in the Middle East, the step has been counterproductive—anti-nuclear deal sentiment and support for nuclear arms development have measurably increased in Tehran. Consequently, expect Ms Merkel to press the US both economically and politically to soften its sanctions.
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