Nuclear Breakup

On Wednesday, the Iranian government announced that it will cease to comply with “some” of the “commitments” it assumed in the international accord on its nuclear program signed in 2015. This came in response to the unilateral decision by the Trump administration a year ago to withdraw from this pact and reestablish sanctions against the Persian nation. Tehran also warned that it would not meet other commitments if the remaining signatories of the accord (Germany, France, United Kingdom, China and Russia) do not find a solution within 60 days to ease the effects of U.S. sanctions, particularly those affecting the Iranian oil and banking sectors.

As expected, this announcement generated concern within the international community, since Manichean positions, such as those adopted by the U.S. and now announced by Iran, often lead to extreme decisions. And these, in turn, can translate into actions as disastrous as the proliferation of a nuclear arms race in one of the most unstable and conflicted zones on the planet, or armed conflicts, which is precisely what is currently at stake.

In fact, the most reckless actors on this chessboard, such as Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have already started beating the drums of war. Netanyahu, after learning of Tehran’s decision, warned that “Israel will not allow Iran to take control of nuclear weapons. We will continue fighting those who want to wipe us out.” A veiled threat behind one of the worst scenarios for the “resolution” of this conflict.