Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – commended President Donald Trump for his announcement that the United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal (“JCPOA”).

The Orthodox Union opposed the JCPOA when it was being negotiated and approved by President Obama and his Administration.  Over the course of several years, the Orthodox Union’s leaders met directly with President Obama, Secretary of State Kerry, Secretary of Energy Moniz and other senior officials to register our concerns with the possible – and then concluded – deal.  The Orthodox Union then urged the U.S. Congress to disapprove of the deal.

Nathan Diament, the Orthodox Union’s executive director for public policy, stated:

“The Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) has serious shortcomings.  Its sunset clause is the most serious as it paves the way for Iran to legitimately obtain nuclear weapons capacity.  It also suffers from a weak inspections regime and no provisions constraining Iran’s ballistic missile activity nor Iran’s sponsorship of terrorism across the globe. Since the deal was signed, Iran has continued these nefarious and violent activities.”

Orthodox Union President Mark (Moishe) Bane stated:

“The Orthodox Union commends President Donald Trump for his decision today withdrawing the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal.  The President has long recognized the flaws of the JCPOA and has followed through today with the correct action.  We will support the President’s coming actions to bring true and lasting security to the Middle East and beyond.”