As the dramatic deadline slowly approaches and heads spin attempting to work out exactly what Donald Trump will do on 12 May, our framework for understanding the nuanced complexity of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – or the Iran nuclear deal – and the consequences of its existence has gradually simplified.

The prevailing narrative frames the JCPOA in terms of the interests of Iran, the US and the EU, leaving those most directly affected by it almost forgotten. The Gulf States, Iran’s neighbours and our allies in the fight against terrorism seem to have their interests largely neglected in public discourse on the JCPOA.

In the minds of many, the US administration hates the Iran deal because it was created and signed under Obama. Trump and the White House can’t stand the idea of sticking by a deal that is the pride of their most derided enemy. The equation is somewhat different, however, if you take the perspective of a country that actually neighbours Iran. In Saudi Arabia, the Iran deal is not a matter of internal politics but existential security.

more:   https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/iran-nuclear-deal-donald-trump-jcpoa-a8338716.html