Why Is the Iran Nuclear Deal So Controversial?

The Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has remained a contentious issue since its inception in 2015. Despite attempts to revive it, the deal has faced numerous obstacles, primarily due to political and strategic complexities.

Two Reasons for Controversy

1. The Orange Embarrassment: Hatred for Everything Obama Done

The controversy surrounding the Iran nuclear deal is often rooted in the strong dislike among certain segments of the U.S. political spectrum for President Obama’s policies, particularly those involving multilateral agreements and engagement with adversaries.

2. Iran as a Useful ‘Enemy’ for U.S. Elites

For both the U.S. and Iranian elites, keeping Iran as an ‘enemy’ has served a strategic purpose. The ‘Axis of Evil’ designation during the George W. Bush administration, which lumped Iran with Iraq and North Korea, was used to justify the invasion of Iraq and other military actions. The fall of the Soviet Union necessitated a new ‘evil’ to rally around.

From the Perspective of the Iranian ‘Mullahs’

Iran’s religious leaders, or ‘mullahs,’ came to power following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which was largely a reaction to U.S. influence and support for the previous regime. The CIA and SAVAK had assassinated many secular leaders, ensuring a short-term rule of the new regime. However, the U.S. provided something that repressive regimes always hope for—an external enemy. This prolonged Iran's rule beyond expectations, enabling the current ‘mullahs’ to maintain power for over four decades.

Strategic Significance of the Iran Deal

The Iran nuclear deal was crucial to ensure that the religious leaders and dictators of the Islamic Republic of Iran do not obtain nuclear weapons. Israel, with its ongoing battle against Islamic terror, sees this as vital for the future of the United States.

Controversy Among Political Factions

The Obama Administration and the Deal

The controversy was less about the deal’s validity and more about who negotiated it. When it was Trump that scuttled the deal, the controversy became more pronounced. The Obama administration’s deal was framed and often criticized as a 'Black guy's achievement.' Even though the deal was working, Trump, motivated by his desire to defeat Obama, sought to undermine it. His actions, such as the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani and the targeting of Iranian scientist Fakhrizadeh, were driven by a flawed strategy aimed at overthrowing Iran's regime, which did not align with the people's wishes nor the country's strategic needs.

Evaluation of Trump's Actions

The Trump administration’s actions were often misguided and harmful. While the Obama administration was criticized for embedding U.S. plans within the Middle East and causing significant suffering, Trump’s policies, like the assassination of Soleimani, stemmed from a desire to win the election. His decision not to ratify the Iran deal was seen as an attempt to enhance his own political legacy at the expense of long-term stability and security.

Current Challenges

Iran, today, is grappling with internal management issues. The current government is weak and relies on external support, mismanaging critical resources and facing widespread protests due to economic turmoil. Despite efforts to negotiate, the perception of the U.S. as an unreliable partner has hindered progress. Critics argue that the regime failed to genuinely represent the Iranian people in the negotiations, resulting in a deal that did not address the core issues faced by ordinary Iranians.

This complex web of political, historical, and strategic interests continues to make the Iran nuclear deal a contentious issue, with its future uncertain and fraught with challenges.