IN one of the most reckless foreign policy decisions, President Donald Trump has decided to unilaterally pull out of the US-Iran nuclear deal, which is formally known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Trump took the decision in spite of reservations by some of his closest European allies; and the constant confirmation by IAEA that Iran was in full compliance with the stipulations of the agreement.

His decision is being looked at with bewilderment by the international community. The world seems to be at a loss to understand why Trump scuttled a deal which was working perfectly.

Iran’s reaction has been measured so far. It has indicated that it will continue to honour the deal. The EU decided to keep adhering to the deal.

If America ratchets up its sanctions and Israel again targets Iran’s interests in Syria, a full blown war with Iran may not be avoided.

Akbar Jan Marwat

Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2018