What’s new? The 2015 Iran nuclear deal has looked at best shaky since the Trump administration withdrew from it in 2018, imposing damaging economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic. In response, Tehran ramped up its nuclear activity in contravention of its obligations under the agreement. President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration could mark an inflection point.
Why does it matter? Having failed to achieve its objectives, Trump’s “maximum pressure” strategy may be nearing an end. Restoring the nuclear deal, with its considerable non-proliferation benefits, could lead to wider U.S.-Iran diplomatic engagement. But one or both sides may be tempted to make additional demands, which would be a recipe for deadlock.
The president doesn't need approval to fire a nuclear attack per se, but the process does include several consultations that would likely block such an order.
Shannon Bugos - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists thebulletin.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thebulletin.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.