Events of the past few weeks over the Syrian crisis have escalated tensions between Russia and the United States. Their deteriorating bilateral relationship will affect many other policy areas and one concern at this stage is the negative impact on the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The European Union remains committed to the deal and still believes that it has produced many positive results. In 2016 year-on-year EU–Iran trade increased by 79% which is an indication of improving relations between the two sides.

It is nonetheless a challenge to keep Washington committed to the agreement in the current geostrategic climate. For President Donald Trump’s Adminsitration, the main problem is that the deal has not yet led to improvements in other policy areas, such as missile testing and regional relations.

Barack Obama’s previous Administration had hoped that the JCPOA would have a transformational impact on Iranian regional and defence policies, but Tehran has remained defiant. It is also clear that Trump’s policies will not entice Tehran to change any of its policy directions.

Meanwhile the EU is focused on insulating the nuclear deal from other more challenging issues in order to benefit from its evident non-proliferation value.

The US approach

Analysts believe one should not read too much into Trump’s campaign statements. The administration is engaged in a …  [article continues]