EditorialJoe Biden should make first move to save Iran nuclear pact
- Compromise key between Tehran and Washington if tensions are to be eased in the Middle East and an arms race avoided
An arms race in the Middle East seems inevitable while Iran keeps apart from a pact restricting its ability to produce weapons-grade nuclear material. But its compliance with the landmark 2015 agreement that also includes the five members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany depends on the United States also rejoining.
Both sides have kept the door open for negotiations, although domestic political pressure appears to mean each is waiting for the other to make the first move. US President Joe Biden should take the initiative; he has expressed a willingness to revitalise the deal and end a crisis that was largely sparked by its abandonment three years ago by his predecessor, Donald Trump.
Rejoining is no simple matter. Although Biden has pledged to reverse the unilateral decisions made by Trump, holding talks is difficult given the strong anti-Iranian sentiment among American lawmakers.
Tehran and Washington have been foes since the Islamic revolution in 1979 and Iran’s regime is perceived as being behind instability in the Middle East and a threat to allies Israel and Saudi Arabia.
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Why can't Iran and the US get along?
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