Trump finds Iran in compliance with nuclear deal

The State Department informed Congress Tuesday that Iran is in compliance with the nuclear deal and that it will continue relief from sanctions under the agreement. It added: “Notwithstanding, Iran remains a leading state sponsor of terror through many platforms and methods.”

The State Department also told Congress that the administration has undertaken a full review of the agreement to evaluate whether continued sanctions relief is in the national interest. The suggestion is that if sanctions relief is not in the national interest — e.g., because of Iran’s support of terrorism — the administration will discontinue sanctions relief even if Iran complies with the nuclear deal. However, the State Department apparently made no such promise.

I have no grounds for disputing the administration’s finding that Iran is in compliance with the nuclear deal. The question is one of fact, though probably not easily answered.

If the administration’s best assessment concludes that Iran is complying, then it’s obligated to tell Congress so. However, it will be interesting to see whether, in the days ahead, credible sources present evidence that Iran is not complying.

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