Forgotten Iran
The Statesman|September 06, 2023
Trump had wrongly predicted that the 'pariahised' Iranians would come begging for a new deal under pressure, but he was wrong. They didn't. On the contrary, the Iranians have frantically ratcheted up production of bomb-grade nuclear fuel and have essentially blinded the international inspectors from reviews. With the scientific knowhow acquired, the 'nuclear breakout' stage (time required to put together a bomb), which was estimated at about a year in 2015, is expected to be a few weeks
BHOPINDER SINGH
Forgotten Iran

President Barack Obama's farewell speech on 10 January 2017, after eight years in the White House, spelt out his major diplomacy successes. Amongst the foremost achievements was to 'shut down Iran's nuclear weapons program without firing a shot'. The Iran Nuclear Deal was not based on trust, but on hard verification and ratification by the global watchdog agency i.e., International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as also the other signatories of the P5+1 comity ~ the United States of America, United Kingdom, Russia, China, France plus Germany.

There were some critics of the deal for example, then incoming President Donald Trump and his brother-in-arms in Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.

However, there was near unanimous consensus that the deal was certainly preferable to the only other alternative i.e., no deal, and its obvious consequences of further irritating Iran, fueling an arms race, extremism and pushing Iran into the willing arms of China.

Soon Trump took over and brazenly reneged on the deal unilaterally. Despite pusillanimous protests from IAEA and other P5+1 signatories, the worst fears likening the situation to the continuation of a 'no deal' scenario, came true.

Unfair theatrics by Trump was not only an affront to Iranian sovereign pride but a backslide to crippling sanctions in Iran. Consequently, what was feared happened, as rule by moderates and reformists like Hasan Rouhani was rejected in favour of hardliners like Ebrahim Raisi (who had lost earlier elections to the moderate faction (he got only 38.3 per cent votes in 2017 but won 62.9 per cent votes in 2021). The derailed Iran Nuclear Deal was behind the 'loss-loss' situation.

Trump had wrongly predicted that the 'pariahised' Iranians would come begging for a new deal under pressure, but he was wrong. They didn't.

This story is from the September 06, 2023 edition of The Statesman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 06, 2023 edition of The Statesman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE STATESMANView All
The Statesman

Police recover unknown body from jungle

The Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate (ADPC) has recovered a body of an unknown person from a jungle near a closed open cast coal mine in Kalipahari area, under Asansol South police station here this morning.

time-read
1 min  |
November 07, 2024
Solar tree in front of Burnpur House to generate green power
The Statesman

Solar tree in front of Burnpur House to generate green power

In a new initiative towards sustainability of this picturesque steel township, a 10 KW on-grid solar tree is set to generate 12,000 units of electricity per year and to reduce carbon footprint by 11.6 tonnes per year.

time-read
1 min  |
November 07, 2024
Junior doctors urge chief secretary to streamline referral system
The Statesman

Junior doctors urge chief secretary to streamline referral system

Sushil Haldar, a Garia resident, died at SSKM Hospital on Tuesday after being allegedly denied admissions in 3 hospitals

time-read
2 mins  |
November 07, 2024
Trump Win Caps Historic Political Comeback
The Statesman

Trump Win Caps Historic Political Comeback

The election was a shocking disappointment for Kamala Harris who stepped in to carry the Democratic Party torch three months ago

time-read
2 mins  |
November 07, 2024
ICC Rankings: Smriti eyes third spot, Harmanpreet back in top 10
The Statesman

ICC Rankings: Smriti eyes third spot, Harmanpreet back in top 10

Smriti Mandhana closes gap on Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu in women's ODI batting list

time-read
2 mins  |
November 06, 2024
NZ humiliation may awaken 'sleeping giant' India: Hazlewood
The Statesman

NZ humiliation may awaken 'sleeping giant' India: Hazlewood

Terming India a 'sleeping giant', Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood said that Rohit Sharma & Co's first ever 3-0 whitewash at home to New Zealand, could have hit their confidence but at the same time served as a perfect wake-up call ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series, starting 22 November in Perth.

time-read
1 min  |
November 06, 2024
ISL: In-form Punjab FC aim to continue winning momentum against FC Goa
The Statesman

ISL: In-form Punjab FC aim to continue winning momentum against FC Goa

Excitement and enthusiasm are guaranteed when two in-form teams lock horns in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Fatorda Stadium on November 6.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 06, 2024
Odegaard's return boosts Arsenal ahead of Inter clash
The Statesman

Odegaard's return boosts Arsenal ahead of Inter clash

Arsenal have been handed a much-needed boost as skipper Martin Odegaard was seen training with the first team squad for the first time since his injury on Tuesday.

time-read
1 min  |
November 06, 2024
The Statesman

Delhi, AP, Bengal shine in senior hockey nationals

Delhi, Karnataka, Bengal and Hockey Andhra Pradesh emerged victorious with great performances on Day 2 of the 14th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium here on Tuesday.

time-read
1 min  |
November 06, 2024
India coach Marquez names 26 probables for Malaysia friendly
The Statesman

India coach Marquez names 26 probables for Malaysia friendly

The Indian senior men's team head coach Manolo Marquez on Tuesday announced 26 probables for the upcoming FIFA International Friendly against Malaysia to be played on 18 November at the GMC Balayogi Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad.

time-read
1 min  |
November 06, 2024