Former President Donald Trump delivered strong criticism of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during a recent address, labeling it a “disaster” and stating he was “honored” to dismantle it. He characterized his actions against Iran as a key achievement throughout his two terms in office.

Trump's Condemnation of the JCPOA

Trump described the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) – the formal name of the Iran nuclear deal – as a flawed agreement that would have ultimately led to Iran acquiring a “colossal arsenal” of nuclear weapons. He asserted that the deal empowered Iran and allowed them to continue pursuing their destabilizing activities.

Cash Payments to Iran

The former president specifically cited a $400 million cash payment made by the Obama administration to Iran in January 2016, coinciding with the release of four American prisoners. Trump argued this payment was an attempt to “buy their respect and loyalty,” but ultimately proved ineffective. He also mentioned a total of $1.7 billion in cash delivered to Iran.

Key Actions During Trump's Presidency

Trump highlighted two significant actions he took during his presidency to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He stated that killing General Qasem Soleimani in his first term was a crucial step, describing Soleimani as a “horrible human being” and “the father of the roadside bomb.”

Withdrawal from the Nuclear Deal

He reiterated his pride in terminating the JCPOA, stating, “I was so honored to do it. I was so proud to do it. It was so bad right from the beginning.” Trump believes his decision prevented Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and potentially destabilizing the Middle East, specifically mentioning the potential impact on Israel.

Obama Administration's Defense of the Deal

The Obama administration had maintained that the JCPOA exchanged sanctions relief for limits on Iran’s nuclear program and international monitoring. They argued this approach pushed Iran further away from developing a nuclear bomb. However, this claim was contested by critics, including Trump.

The Obama administration clarified that the $400 million payment was not part of the nuclear pact itself, but rather the first installment of a settlement resolving a decades-old dispute over pre-revolution arms deals. Trump, however, remains critical of the transaction.