JCPOA declared dead as Western European countries side with Israel

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has been declared dead, according to recent reports. Israel has been a prominent critic of the JCPOA since its inception, arguing that it appeased Iran by allowing the continuation of its nuclear program.

During Donald Trump"s first term, former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu successfully urged Trump to withdraw from the JCPOA in 2018. This withdrawal led to the reimposition of full sanctions on Iran and the freezing of Iranian assets.

In a related development, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Labour leader Keir Starmer recognized Palestinian statehood in an effort to address domestic pressures from pro-Palestinian groups. However, this recognition coincided with the termination of the JCPOA, which has been met with approval from Israel.

The recognition of Palestinian statehood has been criticized as insufficient, as the Israeli blockade of Gaza continues and trade with Israel has not been affected. The collapse of the JCPOA reinstates sanctions on Iran, potentially radicalizing Iranian moderates and exacerbating anti-Western sentiments.

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Western European countries have been perceived as siding with Israel in this situation, rather than taking steps to alleviate tensions in the Middle East. For more on related developments, see recent developments regarding Iran sanctions.