Tim Kaine: Backing Out of the Iran Agreement Would Damage America ’s Moral Authority

North Korea tested its sixth nuclear device earlier this month. Experts estimated that the blast from this test was significantly stronger than the 1945 Hiroshima bomb. This test puts a rogue regime one step closer to placing a nuclear bomb on an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the continental United States. Yet two days following this test, instead of detailing a comprehensive strategy to rein in North Korea, a conflict that could endanger tens of thousands of American citizens and service members living in South Korea, our Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, chose to focus her remarks at the American Enterprise Institute on the nuclear threat that is already contained: Iran. Previewing a highly dubious case, Haley suggested that the Administration may refuse in October to make the next certification of Iran’s compliance with the nuclear deal to Congress, as required by the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act. This would open the door for Congress to re-impose sanctions on Iran that had been waived under the deal — a clear violation of the accord. President Donald Trump also signaled this is where he is likely headed when he told the United Nations General Assembly, “Frankly, that deal is an embarrassment to the United States, and I don’t think you’ve heard the last of it. Believe me.” All of this comes despite the fact that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has regularly — and as recent...
Source: TIME.com: Top Science and Health Stories - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Uncategorized diplomacy international relations North Korea politics White House Source Type: news