WASHINGTON, D.C. — Moments ago, President Trump announced that the United States would violate the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal. The United States is required to waive sanctions under the JCPOA, a step that President Trump is now refusing to do despite Iran’s full and verified compliance with the terms of the international agreement.

In reaction to Trump’s decision, Derek Johnson, executive director of the international Global Zero movement for the elimination of all nuclear weapons, issued the following statement:

“Withdrawing from the JCPOA undermines American security, credibility and standing in the world. Trump’s decision to violate an agreement that has verifiably rolled back Iran’s nuclear program defies reason and sabotages U.S. leadership and diplomacy.

“The Iran deal works and the world is safer because of it. The JCPOA stopped a nuclear arms race in the Middle East and prevented another U.S. war in the region by conclusively and verifiably dismantling the Iranian nuclear program — and imposing intrusive and permanent inspections to keep it that way. We will not get a better deal.

“The world is already grappling with multiple nuclear flashpoints; it’s hard to understand why this president is so intent on reigniting one of the fires we put out. Manufacturing a new and avoidable Iranian nuclear crisis will not make America safer or more secure, nor will it advance American interests in the region or anywhere else.

“The fallout from Trump’s decision will extend far beyond the Middle East. This is an alarming move that North Korea will find impossible to ignore as it comes to the table for historic talks on the future of its nuclear program. How can North Korea take the United States at its word if that word breaks on a president’s whim?

“There are no upsides to Trump’s decision to violate an agreement that’s working as intended. With no alternative plan to restrain Iran’s nuclear program, it’s up to the remaining parties of the JCPOA to preserve this vital agreement until the United States comes back to its senses.”

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Global Zero is the international movement for the elimination of nuclear weapons. It is led by more than 300 eminent world leaders and backed by a half a million citizens worldwide. For more information, please visit www.globalzero.org.