U.S. officials say President Donald Trump will likely deliver an Iran policy speech next week, just days ahead of the October 15 deadline to certify whether Tehran is adhering to a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with global powers.
The officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, on October 4 said the White House has tentatively scheduled the speech for October 12 in Washington.
Trump faces an October 15 deadline to notify Congress whether Iran is still complying with the nuclear accord and that the deal serves American interests.
If the administration does not recertify by the deadline that Tehran is in compliance with the agreement, the Republican-controlled Congress would have 60 days to decide whether to reimpose sanctions on Tehran suspended under the accord.
Under U.S. law, the sanctions can be waived for a maximum of 120 days, meaning the U.S. government must review the situation every four months.
As part of the landmark 2015 deal, Tehran agreed to curtail its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions. Other signatories to the accord are Russia, China, Britain, France, and Germany.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on October 4 said the State Department will provide the president with several options regarding the Iran nuclear deal ahead of the deadline.
"We'll have a recommendation for the president. We're going to give him a couple of options of how to move forward to advance the important policy towards Iran," Tillerson told reporters.
Tillerson earlier said changes were needed in the nuclear deal before the would agree to continue supporting it.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on October 3 said the United States should remain a party to the nuclear agreement unless it is proven that Tehran is not abiding by the deal or that it's not in the U.S. national interest to do so.
Asked during a testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee whether he thinks it is in the national security interest of the United States to stay a part of the accord, Mattis replied, "Yes, Senator, I do.”
