CIA chief says Iran still ‘technically’ adhering to 2015 nuclear deal

WASHINGTON — Iran is still abiding by the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal despite the US pullout from the multinational agreement, CIA chief Gina Haspel says today.

“At the moment technically they are in compliance” with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Haspel tells the Senate Intelligence Committee.

“I think the most recent information is the Iranians are considering taking steps that would lessen their adherence to JCPOA as they seek to pressure the Europeans to come through with the investment and trade benefits that Iran hoped to gain from the deal,” she says.

“They are making some preparations that would increase their ability to take a step back if they make that decision,” she notes. “But we do see them debating among themselves as they failed to realize the economic benefits that they hoped for from the deal.”

— AFP