Friday, February 5, 2021

There’s No Reason for Biden to Reward Iran

"Column: Sanctions relief didn't bring stability in 2015. And it won't now

And one for the Ayatollah too.

 Matthew Continetti   "Back in September, Joe Biden described his Iran policy in 
an op-ed for CNN. After several paragraphs criticizing President Trump, Biden made an "unshakable commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon." Then he offered Tehran "a credible path back to diplomacy." The terms were simple. "If Iran returns to strict compliance with the nuclear deal," Biden wrote, "the United States would rejoin the agreement as a starting point for follow-on negotiations." Sanctions would be lifted. And Biden is sticking with his plan. Recently Tom Friedman asked him if the offer stands. "It's going to be hard," Biden replied, "but yeah."

"Sure, Biden admitted, the agreement did not cover Iran's missile programs, or support for terrorism, or human-rights violations, or malign behavior in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Absolutely, it contained a sunset clause that freed Iran of its obligations, and limited inspections to non-military installations. True, Iran maintained its archive of nuclear weapons research (until Israel revealed it to the world in 2018). And yes, the regional dynamic has changed. But these are secondary issues. "The best way to achieve getting some stability in the region," Biden said, is "with the nuclear program."

"Come again?" . . .

Ian Macfarlane


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