Trump de-certifies Iran nuclear compliance

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he would not recertify Iran’s compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, while promising the imposition of fresh sanctions on the Iranian government and Revolutionary Guards.

“We cannot and will not make this certification. … I am directing my administration to work closely with Congress and our allies to address the deal’s many flaws,” Trump stated.

The move comes just six weeks after the International Atomic Energy Agency, which is tasked with monitoring Tehran’s adherence to the deal, issued its eighth report confirming compliance.

In late September, top US military adviser James Dunford, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also testified that Iran was in compliance with its obligations under the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Trump’s refusal to recertify does not amount to a withdrawal from the deal, but marks a first step in placing new demands on Tehran. The president pledged to impose fresh sanctions on the Iranian government and Revolutionary Guards as part of what he characterised as a new foreign policy stance on Iran.