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Trump Recertifies Iran Deal but Announces New Sanctions

Tehran is “in default of the spirit” of the nuclear deal, White House says.

President Trump has agreed to re-certify Iran’s compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal and extend sanctions relief, but Tehran will now face a new round of sanctions for non-nuclear activities, the White House said late Monday. The decision on Iran’s compliance with the deal—a quarterly requirement for the Trump administration—reportedly came after hours of chaotic discussions between Trump and his top national security advisers. Ultimately, the administration announced it would extend sanctions relief for Tehran but impose new sanctions for non-nuclear activities, including the development of ballistic missiles and supporting terrorism. A top official said both Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson believe Iran “remains one of the most dangerous threats to U.S. interests and to regional stability,” according to Reuters. While Tehran may be abiding by the nuclear requirements, the White House said, “the entire administration judge that Iran is unquestionably in default of the spirit” of the 2015 nuclear deal.