Story highlights Trump has repeatedly criticized the Iran dealIranian President Hassan Rouhani said it would be a "great pity" if "rogue newcomers" destroy the dealWashington (CNN) Secretary of Defense James Mattis said Tuesday that he believes it is in US national security interest to remain in the Iran nuclear agreement despite repeated hints from President Donald Trump that he is inclined to scrap the deal. During a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Angus King asked Mattis: "Do you believe it is in our national security interest at the present time to remain in the (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action)? Mattis replied, "Yes, senator, I do." "I believe at this point in time absent indications to the contrary, it is something the President should consider staying with." But Mattis went on to explain that he also supports a rigorous review of national security issues related to Iran that may fall outside the exact terms of the agreement.

Source: CNN October 03, 2017 16:04 UTC