Is the Iran nuclear deal dead? Perhaps not, after all, in spite of president Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as it is formally known. The US withdrawal, however, is a dangerous blow to the most important diplomatic achievement in the Middle East in many years. In our dossier, we analyse why JCOPA is for Europe worth preserving (interview with Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Institute of International Affairs and advisor to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy); how US Secretary of State Pompeo’s demands reflects a misunderstanding of Iranian foreign policy, international law, and the realities of the region, according to Mousavian, Middle East security and nuclear policy specialist, former spokesperson for Iran in its international nuclear negotiations; how US withdrawal can affect the balance of regional power in the Middle East and Central Asia (Ardemagni). Viewed from Iran we analyse the impact of Trump’s decision on Iran’s economy (interview with Saeed Leylaz, economist and political analyst) and the economic challenges caused by water shortages (Pietromarchi).

AFP PHOTO / ATTA KENARE