WASHINGTON — European diplomatic efforts have helped persuade Congress to hold off on passing legislation that would violate the Iran nuclear deal, at least for now. In the wake of US President Donald Trump’s decision to not certify the Iran nuclear deal in October, a 60-day window for Congress to vote to reimpose Iran nuclear sanctions with only a simple majority closed Dec. 12 with no action.
Meanwhile, once-discussed alternative draft legislation spearheaded by Sens. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Bob Corker, R-Tenn., has stalled in part because the Democrats have stood firm in opposing it and also because European diplomats have extensively consulted with members of Congress about how elements of it could violate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
So what happens next? Proponents of the deal, while welcoming Congress’ restraint, say it is too soon to celebrate. Fundamental uncertainty over Trump’s intentions and unpredictable decision-making continues to undermine confidence that the United States will come around to being persuaded to stay in the landmark 2015 accord.
“I think we are in a very precarious position,” former US nuclear negotiator Richard Nephew told Al-Monitor. “Personnel and developments and even Trump’s mood might determine if we stay in this thing.”
If the United States wants to continue to comply with the deal, at least for the time being, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has to reissue the waivers for the relevant sanctions relief on Jan. 15-16.
“For the time being, we’re in the agreement,” Tillerson told State Department employees at a town hall meeting Dec. 12, of the JCPOA. “Congress is examining the agreement to see if there are things they’d like to ask us to do.”