Iran protests reveal Republican fracture over nuclear deal

Iran hawks are pushing the Trump administration to terminate the agreement, but Republican leaders worry US pressure could backfire.
Iranian students run for cover from tear gas at the University of Tehran during a demonstration driven by anger over economic problems, in the capital Tehran on December 30, 2017. Students protested in a third day of demonstrations, videos on social media showed, but were outnumbered by counter-demonstrators. / AFP PHOTO / STR (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)
Iranian students run for cover from tear gas at the University of Tehran during a demonstration driven by anger over economic problems, Tehran, Iran, Dec. 30, 2017. - STR/AFP/Getty Images
BryantHarris.jpeg
Bryant Harris
@brykharris_ALM
Read in 

The unrest in Iran has exacerbated a split among Republicans who were widely critical of the Barack Obama administration’s tepid response to similar protests in 2009.

Some congressional hawks are urging President Donald Trump to show solidarity with anti-government demonstrators by reinstating sanctions that were lifted as part of the 2015 nuclear agreement and pull out of the deal. But others are advocating a more cautious approach.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.

Videos

See more