Macron talks sense over Iran nuclear deal
It is to be hoped the chemistry between the French president and his US counterpart Donald Trump helps forge understanding and brings stability to the region
Having pulled the United States out of the Paris global climate accord and ignited threats of a world trade war, Trump has now united China, Europe and Russia in concern over his threat to abandon the Iran nuclear disarmament deal.
For the sake of regional stability and big power relations, and the credibility of US commitment to international agreements, it is to be hoped Macron succeeded in his attempt to persuade Trump that while the Iran deal may be flawed, it is better than nothing and is worth saving with further negotiations.
The deal was struck three years ago between Iran and six world powers – the US, China, Russia, France, Germany and Britain. It lifted crippling economic sanctions against Iran in return for limitations to the country’s controversial nuclear energy programme, which it was feared would be used to create a nuclear weapon.
Failure to stick to commitments on Iran would give North Korea’s Kim Jong-un an excuse not to trust Trump’s word at a planned summit on nuclear disarmament in the near future.
Indeed, both leaders share concern about Iran’s missile activity and interventions in regional conflict.
Macron proposed an agreement to curb such activities that would run alongside the nuclear deal. It is to be hoped the personal chemistry between Macron and Trump helps forge understanding. Collapse of the nuclear deal would be a setback to hopes for stability of a region in which the major powers have big stakes.
