FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 18, 2021
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org
WASHINGTON, DC—Today, the U.S. made a formal offer to restart nuclear talks with Iran. Defense Priorities Policy Director Benjamin H. Friedman issued the following statement in response:
“It’s good news the Biden administration offered to resume talks with Iran to re-enter the JCPOA. The deal, which successfully restricted Iran’s nuclear program, succeeded in its limited aim. Leaving it has allowed Iran to move closer to obtaining nuclear weapons, while giving a political boost to hardliners there and to their more aggressive policies. Maximum pressure failed.
“But the announcement of talks with Iran does not resolve the timing issue keeping both countries from moving back into compliance—the demand that the other go first. It’s actually unclear there is much to discuss—each side’s part is known: the U.S. drops the sanctions Trump reimposed and Iran complies with the deal’s restrictions. The U.S. shouldn’t let symbolic timing issues distract from promptly re-entering the deal.
“The deal is important less because of its overt non-proliferation aims than its overall effect on U.S.-Iran relations and foreign policy. It limits the risk of a pointless war and reduces the futile and counterproductive U.S. military role in the Middle East.
“Whatever happens with diplomacy, it’s important to remember the U.S. can afford to worry less about Iran. It is a mid-tier power that is incapable of becoming a regional hegemon—let alone directly threatening the U.S.—and neighboring powers are well-capable of balancing Iran. U.S. interests in the Middle East are limited and diminishing, and U.S. forces should adopt an offshore role there.”
Defense Priorities explainer: After “maximum pressure”: Returning to deterrence and diplomacy with Iran
Defense Priorities explainer: Keeping U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria courts war