Germany’s Merkel: Iran nuclear accord not ideal, but best to stick with it

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was on the wires earlier today, via Reuters, speaking to the lawmakers on Iran issue in the Bundestag lower house of parliament.

Key Points:

The best way to address international concern about Iran’s role in the region and its ballistic missile programme is within the framework of the nuclear deal.

“The question is whether you can talk better if you terminate an agreement or if you stay in it ... we say you can talk better if you remain in it.” 

“This agreement is everything other than ideal, but Iran is, according to all the knowledge of the international nuclear authorities, sticking to the commitments of the agreement.”

The deal between Iran and six world powers lifted most international sanctions in 2016 in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme, under strict surveillance by the U.N. nuclear watchdog.