Trump pulls out of Obama’s Iran deal?

Iran must now decide whether to also pull out or try to salvage what’s left of it

WASHINGTON: US president Donald Trump’s administration called key lawmakers on Tuesday and told them he had decided to withdraw from the landmark Iran nuclear agreement, but would not reimpose sanctions for up to six months, congressional aides said. Reuters reported that Trump will not lift waivers for 90 days, with an option for another 90, citing an aide. Trump was set to make the announcement late on Tuesday, but he had not done so till the time of going to press.

The move raises the risk of conflict in the Middle East and disrupt global oil supplies, with a particular impact on India.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump on Tuesday pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear deal, saying it had inadequate mechanisms to prevent cheating and would “never “bring peace.

He described the deal forged by his predecessor Barack Obama as a “horrible, onesided” arrangement and said he would sign a presidential order to reimpose sanctions on Tehran.

Earlier, Trump informed his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron of his plans to pull out of the deal.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, struck in 2015 by the US, other world powers and Iran, lifted most US and international sanctions against Tehran. In return, Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear programme along with rigorous inspections.

Pulling out of the deal could raise the risk of conflict in the Middle East, upset US allies and disrupt global oil supplies. The move could also deepen the isolation of the US on the world stage.

Iran’s government would also have to decide whether to withdraw from the deal or try to salvage what is left of it.

The New York Times, citing an unnamed official briefed on the conversation between Trump and Macron, reported the US is preparing to reinstate all sanctions on Iran it had waived as part of the nuclear accord and impose additional economic penalties.

The report, quoting a second official, said the talks collapsed over Trump’s insistence that sharp limits be kept on Iran’s nuclear fuel production after 2030.

AP reported Trump also spoke to Chinese President Xi Jinping about his decision. NBC News , citing two sources, said Congress leaders were briefed about the move by senior administration officials.

Earlier on Tuesday, senior officials from Britain, France and Germany met in Brussels with Iran’s deputy foreign minister for political affairs, Abbas Araghchi, to show their support for the deal.

It was unclear what would be the immediate repercussions of Trump’s withdrawal and whether the deal would still exist after the US quits it.

Russia’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mikhail Ulyanov, said the deal wouldn’t end as a result of Trump’s action and “we will have a certain amount of time for diplomatic efforts,” according to Interfax news service.

Trump has long criticised the deal and had pledged to withdraw from it during his campaign.