B’nai B’rith International remains wary of Iran’s nuclear intentions even as global economic sanctions have been lifted.

In finding that Tehran has met its obligations under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is certifying that a nation that has deceived the agency and the global community in the past is now abiding by an agreement that would diminish its ability to produce nuclear weapons.  Iran’s delaying tactics in the face of global nuclear inspectors are well documented.

The global ramifications of Iran gaining access to nuclear weapons are significant. Tehran also remains a major exporter and backer of terrorism and terrorist organizations around the world, and is exerting its influence in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and across the Middle East.  

The lifting of sanctions could provide Iran with access to $100 billion which could be used to support terrorism and its goal of pursuing hegemony in the region.

Even as the JCPA deal was being negotiated, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated   “Whether a nuclear agreement is achieved or not, Israel will be more insecure each day.” During negotiations, Iran pursued plans to build intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Tehran regime is a well-documented serial abuser of human rights against its own people.

Reinforcing our skepticism about Iran’s compliance: Less than a day after the global sanctions were lifted, the White House is implementing new sanctions relating to Iran’s violation of a United Nations resolution prohibiting ballistic missile tests.

There are still many steps Iran must follow to meet its obligations, and we urge the P5+1 (United States, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom) and the IAEA to maintain due vigilance and scrutiny to ensure Iran does not cheat and develop a nuclear weapon.