Trump's warning about possibly ending the agreement marked a significant shift in US foreign policy, particularly as tensions with North Korea were also escalating. This was the second time in two days that Trump had targeted Obama's policies, with the first being an executive order to undermine the former president's healthcare reform. The deal, which aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, was supported by several other countries, but Trump criticized it for being too lenient and putting the decision in the hands of the US Congress. Trump argued that continuing with the deal would only lead to more violence, terrorism, and the risk of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. European allies are concerned about a potential rift with the United States due to President Trump's decision to put the nuclear agreement in limbo, which they believe harms America's credibility internationally. Trump's focus on "America First" has also seen the US withdraw from the Paris climate accord and Trans-Pacific Partnership, as well as renegotiate NAFTA with Canada and Mexico. In response, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani stated that Iran remains committed to the deal and criticized Trump for making unfounded accusations, asserting that Iran will not succumb to foreign pressure. Rouhani emphasized that Iran and the agreement are resilient. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani gave a televised speech in Tehran, Iran on October 13, 2017. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog confirmed that Iran is following the most stringent nuclear verification measures and is adhering to the agreement. The director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Yukiya Amano, stated that Iran is fulfilling its nuclear-related obligations under the JCPOA. According to US law, the president is required to certify to Congress every 90 days that Iran is abiding by the agreement, which President Trump has done twice, albeit reluctantly. Two administration officials familiar with the Iran policy debate revealed that Trump disregarded the advice of his top officials such as the secretary of defense, secretary of state, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, chief of staff, and national security advisor. Instead, Trump opted to listen to the more hardline views of CIA Director Mike Pompeo and some external advisors. The decision was criticized by US Democrats, with Senator Ben Cardin stating that Trump's actions would isolate the US from its allies during a critical time of nuclear crisis with North Korea. EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also expressed concern, stating that Washington cannot unilaterally cancel the nuclear agreement with Iran, which has been effective in maintaining peace. This agreement is not a two-party deal. The US Congress will have a 60-day period to determine whether to reinstate economic sanctions on Tehran that were removed as part of the agreement. If Congress reinstates the sanctions, the US would essentially be breaking the terms of the nuclear deal, leading to its potential collapse. If lawmakers take no action, the agreement will remain intact. A solitary protester, wearing a mask of Donald Trump, demonstrates outside the White House in opposition to President Trump's announcement regarding the Iran nuclear deal and his stance on Iran. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker is in the process of amending a law regarding Iran to include "trigger points" that would result in the automatic reimposition of US sanctions if Tehran crosses them. A protestor wearing a Donald Trump mask demonstrated outside the White House in opposition to President Trump's announcement about the Iran nuclear deal and his policy towards Iran on October 13, 2017. According to a source familiar with the issue, the trigger points would involve reimposing US sanctions if Tehran is believed to be less than a year away from developing a nuclear weapon. The trigger points are also expected to address stricter nuclear inspections, Iran's ballistic missile program, and eliminating the deal's "sunset clauses," which allow some restrictions on Iran's nuclear program to expire over time. It is uncertain whether Congress will be able to pass the legislation. Trump issued a warning that if a solution cannot be reached with Congress and allies, the agreement will be ended. He focused on imposing sanctions on Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps and criticized Tehran for its destabilizing actions in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. While the administration condemned the Revolutionary Guards, they did not officially label them as a foreign terrorist organization. The group holds significant power in Iran's security, political, and economic systems and has a major influence on domestic and foreign policies. The United States had previously sanctioned the Revolutionary Guards, so the impact of the recent measures is expected to be mostly symbolic. The US military announced on Friday that it was exploring potential areas for collaboration with allies to increase pressure on Iran in alignment with President Trump's new strategy. Additionally, they are evaluating the current placement of US forces. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis noted that Iran has not engaged in any provocative actions in response to Trump's announcement.