Republican House Armed Service chair warns Trump against leaving Iran deal

[Right_in_Virginia]

Republican House Armed Service chair warns Trump against leaving Iran deal
Reuters, May 6, 2018

<snip>

As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Thornberry is considered a key Republican voice on national security issues. Thornberry said that while he was opposed to the deal when it was signed by the Obama Administration in 2015, exiting the agreement now would erode Washington’s leverage against Tehran.

“I thought it was a bad deal,” he said. “But the key question is, ok, what happens next if the U.S. pulls out? Does Iran kick out those inspectors so we lose the visibility we have?”

Trump has signaled he may tear up the 2015 deal and re-impose sanctions later this month. Trump Administration officials have said the nuclear accord fails to address Iran’s ballistic missile program and will allow Tehran to rebuild its nuclear program after some of its provisions expire.

Thornberry said that Trump should work with European allies to address these shortcomings in the accord. But scuttling the deal, he said, would take pressure off Iran by dividing Washington from its allies. “The Europeans are not going to re-impose sanctions so where does that leave us and Iran?” he said.


More: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-nuclear-usa-thornberry/republican-house-armed-service-chair-warns-trump-against-leaving-iran-deal-idUSKBN1I70Q3

[Free Vulcan]

What an idiot. The deal gives Iran cover but provides no real restrictions or checks on their behavior. Did we not learn from Saddam that inspections are worthless?

Quit giving the world a false sense of security.

[Maj. Bill Martin]

Apparently, it is better to have a useless deal that gives you the pretense of accomplishing something, rather than no deal at all.

Iran is more vulnerable to economic sanctions now than it has been in a long time.  Might as well call a spade a spade, formally disavow the deal, and implement sanctions.

[IsailedawayfromFR]

So Thornberry sides with Russia.

Gee,  what side does that make him on?

[Formerly Once-Ler]

So Thornberry sides with Russia.

Another Trump in the making.