Trump recertifies Iran deal

UPDATE: The Treasury and State departments announced new sanctions this morning against 18 Iranian individuals, groups, and networks over non-nuclear behavior. The sanctions target those who aid Iran’s military or Revolutionary Guard, support the country’s missile program, or participate in a transnational criminal group based in Iran. Any U.S. assets the targets might have will be frozen, and Americans will not be able to do business with them.

OUR EARLIER REPORT (9:27 a.m.): The Trump administration late Monday night agreed again to certify the Iran nuclear deal. The decision—reportedly recommended to a reluctant President Donald Trump by all members of his national security team—means Iran can keep enjoying sanctions relief, though officials made it clear Iran is “unquestionably in default of the spirit” of the deal. The administration said it had deep concerns about Iran’s recent non-nuclear behavior and will enact new sanctions penalizing its actions, though sanctions were not announced Monday evening. By law the administration is required to notify Congress every 90 days whether Iran is complying with the deal. Despite President Donald Trump condemning the deal as “disastrous,” Monday’s decision is the second time the Trump administration has certified it. Officials said Monday the administration is working with U.S. allies to try to fix flaws in the agreement.