Trump advisers urge president to decertify Iran deal without killing it: report

President Trump’s national security team has unanimously urged him to decertify the Iran nuclear accord ahead of the Oct. 15 deadline, according to Politico.

Trump’s advisers are urging him to declare that the deal isn’t vital to U.S. interests while holding off on pressuring Congress to implement new sanctions on Tehran, Politico reported. Their idea is reportedly to have Trump signal his displeasure with the deal while avoiding the political fallout that could arise from a full withdrawal. 

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Trump’s team, led by national security adviser H.R. McMaster, is reportedly developing a plan that works with European and Asian allies to increase the pressure on Iran’s government while the deal remains intact. 

Sources cautioned Politico, however, that the strategy could change in the coming days.

The news comes hours after Defense Secretary James Mattis said it was in the United States’ best interest to remain in the Iran nuclear arrangement.

Trump said in September that he has made his decision on whether or not to remain in the agreement with Tehran, which he ripped as an “embarrassment” during his first speech to the United Nations last month.

“I have decided,” Trump said last month in regards to the steps he would take on the treaty.

Pressed about his decision, the president responded, “I’ll let you know what the decision is.”

“The Iran deal was one of the worst and most one-sided transactions the United States has ever entered into,” Trump said during his address to the U.N. General Assembly. “Frankly, that deal is an embarrassment to the United States.”