Iran deal ‘fixes’ to dominate Tillerson’s agenda in Europe

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is seeking British and French support for tough new penalties against Iran and preventing a U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal.

Tillerson on Sunday began a nearly weeklong trip to Europe, and a U.S. official said Iran was expected to dominate Tillerson’s talks in London and Paris, the first two stops.

Tillerson left Washington as a government shutdown entered its second day. The State Department said he’s conducting foreign relations that are essential to national security.

Britain and France are parties to the 2015 Iran deal that President Donald Trump has warned he will walk away from this spring unless fixes are made to his liking.

The official said Tillerson’s intent is “to close the gaps” in the accord that gave Iran billions in sanctions relief in return for curbs on its nuclear program, and to explore more ways to counter Iranian behavior in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss Tillerson’s plans before the trip, and spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.

Earlier this month, Trump pledged to stop waiving U.S. sanctions unless the Europeans agreed to strengthen terms by consenting to a side deal that would effectively eliminate provisions that allow Iran to gradually resume some advanced atomic work.

Trump also wants tighter restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program.

Iran has rejected any renegotiation. Britain, France and the other European party to the accord, Germany, have expressed some willingness to work with the U.S. to prevent the pact’s collapse by discussing measures that would supplement its conditions.