Frankly, I have not been surprised by what has transpired in the last year. It was always in Iran’s interest to have the sanctions lifted. In return, Iran’s leadership was prepared to defer its nuclear ambitions, though not surrender them. Although within the JCPOA, the Iranians did make a commitment to never seek or acquire nuclear weapons, they are nonetheless allowed to build a nuclear industrial base. And after 15 years pass, they will still retain a nuclear weapon option. They are retaining the capability, and therefore retaining the option.

What we get in return is that we’re buying time: 10-15 years. But when I say there was no surprise here for me, I mean that I also expected that there would be an increase in Iran’s bad behavior in the region. I knew that because I understood that the Supreme Leader had to validate his ideology. When he does a deal with the U.S., it raises questions. In the aftermath of doing a deal, I expected that he would have to say that nothing has changed. I expected that he would challenge America and its interests and the interests of America’s friends even more consistently. And indeed, Iran’s behavior within the region continues to be aggressive. They believe they have a right to dominate the region, because they look down on the Arabs, think they have a superior culture, and see the US as being their main impediment. Now we see unease among America’s traditional friends in the region because the US is perceived as being less willing to confront or counter Iranian aggressiveness in the region.

Read the full article at the Washington Institute.