Global Outrage against Trump

U.S. abandonment of the agreement with Iran represents a threat to peace.

With the decision to denounce the Iran nuclear agreement, Donald Trump has dealt a devastating blow to international stability.

This is not merely a case of the head of state pushing ahead with destroying a system of international relations, both on a commercial and security level, which to a greater or lesser extent has reasonably functioned since the end of World War II. The unilateral abandonment of an agreement involving the principle world powers effectively positions the U.S. as an unpredictable, and therefore barely trustworthy, partner for its allies.

The agreement with Iran blocked a dangerous road that would have led to nuclear proliferation across one of the most unstable zones on the planet. The political and economic repercussions would have been felt across the world. That is why the entire international community committed itself to finding a viable solution to a seemingly irresolvable problem via a diplomatic route. The culmination of a treaty after two long years of negotiations undoubtedly constituted a victory for collective effort over disparate interests, as well as being a valuable lesson for the future. Russia, China, the U.S. and the European Union managed to sit themselves on the same side of the table and, in the interests of all, sign a historic compromise with Tehran.

Up until now, the International Atomic Energy Agency, responsible for verifying compliance with the agreement, has confirmed that Iran has complied with all of its obligations. Nevertheless, without listening to anybody — including prestigious voices in his own country as well as the leaders of France and Germany who recently visited Washington — Trump has decided to destroy the credibility of his own country and confidence in its foreign policy. It seems as if the current occupant of the White House has been obsessed with ripping up the legacy of his predecessor, Barack Obama, without understanding that the pact with Iran reaches far beyond Obama.

In order to evaluate the actions of the U.S. president, we only need to ask whether, with the treaty mortally wounded at Trump’s own willing, the Middle East is closer to peace or to war. The answer is evident. And therefore Europe needs to react in a clear and robust way.