Illustration: Jayachandran/MintLast week, US President Donald Trump announced America’s exit from the Iran nuclear deal—formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). On 30 April, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had brought to light Iranian nuclear weapons development archives. Trump and other JCPOA opponents argue that lifting sanctions incentivised Iran to step up terrorist and destabilizing activities in West Asia. If Europe, along with Russia and China, refuses to play ball with the US, the sanctions regime will be ineffective. The new rulers may choose to double down on the nuclear weapons programme and expand regional influence.

Source: Mint May 14, 2018 16:41 UTC