NCC Statement Opposing the Reimposition of Trade Sanctions on Iran

WASHINGTON: The National Council of Churches opposes the Trump Administration’s reimposition of trade sanctions on Iran, ninety days after announcing the United States’ withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.  All indications are Iran has abided by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and that it has been successful in deterring any progress toward a nuclear-armed Iran.

The renewed sanctions will cause needless suffering among the people of Iran, likely destroy the success of the JCPOA (which is still in force for other countries that were part of the agreement), strain relationships with allies, and increase tensions in the Middle East and in Europe.

Most concerning is the Trump Administration’s recent use of bellicose rhetoric, threatening the Iranian regime with “consequences the likes of which few throughout history have ever suffered before,” even as international inspectors have concluded that Tehran is complying with the terms of the 2015 agreement.

We call upon the President to end these regressive and aggressive actions that threaten peace.  We urge the governments of the United States, Europe, and the Middle East to secure a lasting agreement that ensures peace in the world.

We continue to hope, pray, and work for a world free of nuclear weapons.