Iranian Missile Tests May Violate Nuclear Deal

Iran tested two ballistic missiles with potential to carry nuclear weapons on March 9th, adding more tension to the already controversial nuclear deal signed months earlier. This maneuver has prompted many governments to question whether or not Iran’s actions violate  of the nuclear agreement. The main debate centers around the details of the language in the treaty. Iranian Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, attests that the tests do not break the agreement, reported in the Chicago Tribune that the deal “doesn't call upon Iran not to test ballistic missiles, or ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads ... it calls upon Iran not to test ballistic missiles that were 'designed' to be capable."

The difference in wording may seem minor, but it represents in fact a highly contested matter in the months of talks between international leaders preceding the signing of the deal. Currently, Tehran maintains that the country needs weapons for defensive reasons, and the U.S. State Department does not regard the act as a technical violation of the treaty.  

Meanwhile, Israel adamantly raises concerns about how these missiles create a direct threat to their security. The Israeli ambassador to the United Nations has asked the U.N. Security Council to punish Iran, drawing attention to explicit threats made to Israeli safety. One of the ballistic missiles fired on Wednesday reportedly sported a graffiti message reading: “Israel must be wiped off the face of the earth.” Vice President Joe Biden attempted to reassure the Israelis of American support by emphasizing that the United States will carry out its threat to utilize military power if Tehran violates the deal.