Trump's recent decision to potentially end the agreement marked a significant shift in US foreign policy, coming at a time when his administration is already facing a crisis with North Korea over their nuclear ambitions. This move, which followed his executive order aimed at dismantling Obama's healthcare reform, was the second instance in as many days where Trump targeted his predecessor's legacy. Originally praised by Obama for its role in preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, the deal was also signed by several other countries and the EU. However, Trump criticized the agreement as too lenient on Tehran and expressed concerns about the US Congress potentially altering it or reinstating sanctions on Iran. Trump emphasized the need to avoid escalating violence and terrorism, as well as preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. European allies are concerned about a potential rift with the United States over the nuclear agreement, believing that President Trump's decision to put it on hold undermines America's credibility globally. Trump's "America First" approach has also led to the US withdrawing from the Paris climate accord and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade talks, as well as renegotiating NAFTA. In response, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani affirmed Iran's commitment to the deal and criticized Trump for making unfounded claims, stating that Iran will not succumb to foreign pressure. Rouhani emphasized that both Iran and the agreement remain steadfast. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani gave a televised speech in Tehran on October 13, 2017, according to a handout from President.ir through Reuters. The head of the UN atomic watchdog confirmed that Iran is abiding by the nuclear deal and is subject to strict verification. Yukiya Amano, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, stated that Iran is fulfilling its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The US president is required by law to certify to Congress every 90 days that Iran is upholding its end of the deal, which President Trump has done twice, albeit reluctantly. Two officials within the administration who were involved in the Iran policy debate revealed that Trump disregarded the opinions 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 chose to listen to the more hardline views of CIA Director Mike Pompeo and other outsiders. Trump's decision was criticized by US Democrats, with Senator Ben Cardin stating that it will further isolate the US from its allies and partners, especially during the nuclear crisis with North Korea. In Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini emphasized that Washington cannot unilaterally cancel the accord, as it is an essential nuclear agreement that is currently effective. This agreement is not between two parties. The US Congress will have 60 days to determine whether to reintroduce economic sanctions on Tehran that had been removed as part of the deal. If Congress does reinstate the sanctions, the US would be breaking the terms of the nuclear agreement, potentially causing it to collapse. If lawmakers take no action, the deal will continue. Outside the White House, a solitary protester wearing a mask of Donald Trump expresses dissent towards President Trump's decision regarding the Iran nuclear deal and his approach to Iran. Bob Corker, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is working to amend a law regarding Iran in order to include "trigger points" that would lead to the automatic reimposition of US sanctions if Tehran crosses them. A single protester, wearing a Donald Trump mask, demonstrated outside the White House in opposition to President Trump's recent announcement about the Iran nuclear deal and his policies towards Iran. According to a source familiar with the issue, the triggers would involve reimposing US sanctions if Iran is believed to be less than a year away from developing a nuclear weapon. These triggers are expected to also address stricter nuclear inspections, Iran's ballistic missile program, and eliminate the "sunset clauses" of the deal, which gradually lift restrictions on Iran's nuclear program over time. Whether Congress will be able to pass this legislation remains uncertain. Trump cautioned that if a resolution cannot be found through collaboration with Congress and allies, the agreement will be ended. He specifically targeted Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for sanctions and strongly criticized Tehran for its disruptive actions in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. While the Trump administration condemned the Revolutionary Guards, it refrained from classifying the group as a foreign terrorist organization. The organization holds significant power in Iran's security, political, and economic structures, and has a major influence on both domestic and foreign policies. Despite having been previously sanctioned by the United States, the recent action is expected to have a symbolic rather than immediate impact. The US military announced on Friday that it was looking for new opportunities to collaborate with allies in order to increase pressure on Iran in alignment with Trump's revised strategy. Additionally, they are reassessing the placement of US troops. However, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis noted that Iran had not yet taken any provocative actions in response to Trump's announcement.