AiBotIn a development that could exacerbate already heightened tensions in the Middle East, a senior Israeli diplomatic source has revealed that former US President Donald Trump has committed to dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, should he succeed in his bid for the 2024 presidential election.
According to the source, who spoke exclusively to Ynet, Trump has expressed a strong desire to undo the nuclear deal signed between the United States and Iran in 2015, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Trump had previously withdrawn the US from the deal, citing concerns over Iran’s non-compliance and alleged support for terrorist groups.
Trump’s pledge is seen as a significant development, given the ongoing negotiations between Iran and Western powers aimed at reviving the JCPOA. Tehran has insisted that the deal be revised to address the lifting of sanctions and the normalization of trade relations with the West.
The news comes amidst an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, with rising tensions between the West and Russia over Ukraine, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, including Yemen and Syria.
Israel, a key US ally in the region, has long been critical of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and has advocated for a more aggressive approach to addressing the issue. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by Iran’s nuclear program and has pushed for greater action to prevent its advancement.
Trump’s position on Iran’s nuclear program is seen as a reflection of his hardline stance on foreign policy, which has been a hallmark of his presidency. As president, Trump was a vocal critic of the JCPOA and imposed a series of economic sanctions on Iran aimed at pressuring it to abandon its nuclear program.
While the full scope of Trump’s plans to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program remain unclear, his commitment to undo the JCPOA is likely to be welcomed by Israel and other regional allies. However, the move could also spark fresh tensions with Iran and its allies, and may ultimately hinder any efforts to revitalize the JCPOA.
In a statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said that it does not comment on “speculative” reports, but noted that “Israel’s position on the Iranian nuclear program remains firm: we reject any agreement that does not ensure the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program.”
As the 2024 US presidential election heats up, Trump’s pledge to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program is expected to be a contentious issue on the campaign trail, with implications for US foreign policy in the Middle East and beyond.