09/05/2018

Eastwood Brands Trump 'Reckless' For Pulling Out Of Iran Deal

US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran Nuclear Deal has been branded as "reckless" by SDLP Leader, Colum Eastwood.

On Tuesday, the US President announced the US would withdraw from the Obama-era agreement and reimpose economic sanctions on Iran that were waived when the deal was first signed in 2015.

Iran responded by stating it will restart the process of uranium enrichment, a key part for making both nuclear energy and weapons.

Speaking today, 09 May, Mr Eastwood called upon Iran and European allies to continue to preserve the deal "in spite of President Trump's whimsical decision to attempt to sabotage it".

"Efforts to de-escalate fears of developing nuclear arms have been blown out of the water by Trump's decision to walk away from the deal," he said.

"Like all matters of foreign policy, pragmatism is the essence of good diplomacy in volatile political environments, not rash decisions driven by the ideology of 'self'.

"Despite Trump's claim that the deal "didn't bring calm and didn't bring peace", the avoidance of the creation of nuclear arms should be considered a win. Right now there can be no ambiguity around this crisis that it is Trump, not Iran, that is violating the deal.

"Trump's delusion should worry us all. His fixation on sticking it to Obama and his determination to follow through on outrageous policies, both foreign and domestic, should be of great concern to the international community.

"I am calling on Iran and European allies to continue to preserve the deal in spite of President Trump's whimsical decision to attempt to sabotage it."

(LM/MH)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

19 March 2024
FMDFM Attend St Patrick's Day Reception At The White House
Northern Ireland's First and Deputy First Minister have met with United States President, Joe Biden, at a St Patrick's Day reception at the White House. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly used the opportunity to highlight the benefits of the unique relationship between the U.S. and Northern Ireland.
29 February 2008
Ian Junior Back On Property Development Trail
Ian Paisley Junior is again getting involved in property development issues. The politician is to meet US tycoon Donald Trump's officials next month amid continuing uncertainty over the future of the millionaire's plans for a luxury golf resort in Scotland.
09 November 2016
OFMDFM Congratulate Donald Trump On US Presidential Election Victory
Donald Trump is set to become the 45th President of the United States of America, having beaten former US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Trump won a number of key swing states including Florida, Ohio and North Carolina, to take a decisive victory over his opponent.
04 June 2019
NI Parties Oppose Trump State Visit
Party leaders from Northern Ireland have expressed their opposition to US President Donald Trump's three day state visit to the UK.
20 March 2024
New £575,000 Immersive Technologies Challenge Fund Announced
A new £575,000 Augment the City Challenge Fund has been announced to support innovation in immersive technologies. Led by Belfast City Council's City Innovation Office and funded by the Belfast Region City Deal, the fund will open in April 2024, to support local SMEs to explore the future role of immersive technologies in visitor experiences.