President Trump touts progress on Iran deal at G7 summit
President Donald Trump emphasized the Iran deal at the G7 summit, raising the possibility of sanctions relief and reopening of shipping lanes.
Former President Barack Obama has cast doubt on President Donald Trump’s new Iran deal, saying it is unlikely to be much different from the deal Trump abandoned.
Just as President Trump announced a framework aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s vital shipping lane, President Obama said in an interview with ABC News that it was “doubtful” that any deal would be a significant improvement on the 2015 nuclear deal.
President Trump announced on Sunday, June 14, that the United States and Iran have reached a framework agreement to halt fighting and restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, but key details remain unresolved, including how the two countries will deal with Iran’s nuclear program.
“I doubt that any future agreement will be very different or much improved from the original agreement,” Obama told reporters, noting that the agreement “worked for a long time” before the U.S. withdrew.
President Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018, calling the deal a “horrible” unilateral deal that would not bring “calm” or peace.
President Obama’s full interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts will be aired on “Good Morning America” on Wednesday, June 17th.
What is JCPOA?
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, agreed in 2015 between Iran and world powers including the United States, was aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Under the deal, Iran agreed to limit uranium enrichment, reduce its nuclear stockpile and allow expanded international inspections of its facilities. In return, the United States and other countries lifted trade and economic sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports and economy generally.
Contributor: Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
