President Trump Is Holding Rogue Regimes Accountable

Under President Trump, North Korea's Missiles Have Stopped Flying, Iran's Position Is Dramatically Weaker, And Chemical Weapons' Users Have Been Punished

---

TOP TAKEAWAYS

• President Trump and his administration have made stopping the spread of ballistic, chemical, biological and nuclear weapons a priority.
  • The Trump Administration has placed at least 92 individuals or entities on the U.S. Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) list under Weapons of Mass Destruction designations.
    • Placement on the Treasury's SDN list means these individuals' assets are frozen and U.S. citizens are barred from business with them.
• Thanks to President Trump's firm hand and historic diplomacy, the U.S. has made great strides towards a nuclear-free North Korea.
  • In 2017, the Trump Administration pressured the U.N. Security Council to pass two unanimous resolutions imposing economic sanctions on North Korea.
  • On June 12, the United States and North Korea held a historic summit in Singapore resulting in a joint declaration to achieve the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
  • After this summit, North Korea began dismantling facilities at the former main site for satellite launches and agreed to destroy a major missile engine test site
  • While North Korea averaged a missile launch every 24 days during President Obama's last year in office, North Korea has not launched a missile in the last 302 days under President Trump.
• President Trump has put pressure on Iran for its nuclear provocations by ending President Obama's dangerous nuclear deal with Iran and reinstating harsh sanctions that have brought "economic malaise" to that country.
  • The Trump Administration has placed at least 195 individuals or entities on the U.S. Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) list under Iran designations.
• President Trump has punished users of chemical weapons, making it clear the use of such weapons will not be tolerated and will be met with consequences.
  • President Trump expelled sixty Russian intelligence officers, closed the Russian Consulate in Seattle and implemented chemical weapons sanctions against Russia for its use of the nerve agent Novichok in the attempted assassination of a former Russian spy.
  • President Trump ordered a cruise missile strike on Syrian military targets, and sanctioned more than 270 individuals and entities for Syria's use of chemical weapons on its own citizens in the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikoun.

---

TODAY, PRESIDENT TRUMP WILL TAKE HIS AGGRESSIVE SUPPORT FOR NON-PROLIFERATION TO MEMBERS OF THE U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL

Today At The U.N. Security Council, President Donald Trump Will Reaffirm The U.S.' Commitment To Preventing Rogue Regimes And Bad Actors From Obtaining Weapons Of Mass Destruction

Today, President Trump Will Host A Meeting Of The United Nations Security Council To Highlight The Scale Of The Threat Of Weapons Of Mass Destruction. "The first of those priorities should come as no surprise. The threat from weapons of mass destruction is a global security concern, and the Trump Administration has taken unprecedented actions to address it. During High-Level week, the President will reinforce those actions by hosting a meeting of the UN Security Council to highlight the scale of the threat, which includes proliferation of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missiles." (Kevin Moley, "Outlining American Interests At The United Nations General Assembly," U.S. Department Of State , 9/21/18)

The President Will Highlight The Threat Proliferation Of Ballistic, Chemical, Biological And Nuclear Weapons Poses. "During High-Level week, the President will reinforce those actions by hosting a meeting of the UN Security Council to highlight the scale of the threat, which includes proliferation of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missiles." (Kevin Moley, "Outlining American Interests At The United Nations General Assembly," U.S. Department Of State , 9/21/18)

Cracking Down On Rogue Regimes Who Attempt To Obtain And Use Weapons Of Mass Destruction Has Been A Priority Of The Trump Administration

In December 2017, President Trump Released His National Security Strategy, Which Emphasized The Administration's Commitment To Preventing Hostile State And Non-State Actors From Acquiring Weapons Of Mass Destruction. " Defend Against Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) ­the danger from hostile state and non-state actors who are trying to acquire nuclear, chemical, radiological, and biological weapons is increasing. The Syrian regime's use of chemical weapons against its own citizens undermines international norms against these heinous weapons, which may encourage more actors to pursue and use them. ISIS has used chemical weapons in Iraq and Syria. Terrorist groups continue to pursue WMD-related materials. We would face grave danger if terrorists obtained inadequately secured nuclear, radiological, or biological material." ("National Security Strategy Of The United States Of America," The White House , 12/17, p. 8)

• In The National Security Strategy, The Trump Administration Committed To "To Secur[ing], Eliminate[ing], And Prevent[ing] The Spread Of WMD And Related Materials." "ENHANCE COUNTERPROLIFERATION MEASURES: Building on decades of initiatives, we will augment measures to secure, eliminate, and prevent the spread of WMD and related materials, their delivery systems, technologies, and knowledge to reduce the chance that they might fall into the hands of hostile actors." ("National Security Strategy Of The United States Of America," The White House , 12/17, p. 8)

The Trump Administration Has Blocked The Assets Of At Least 92 Individuals, Entities, Or Vessels Using Treasury's Weapons Of Mass Destruction Sanctions Authority

Since President Trump Took Office, The Treasury Department Has Placed 92 Individuals, Entities, Vessels Or Aircraft On The Specially Designated Nationals List Per Weapons Of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations (NPWMD). (See Figure 1, Data Compiled By GOP Research Department, Data Available Here , All Data Sourced From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control )

• The Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals List Is Updated Regularly With Individuals, Groups And Entities Owned Or Acting On Behalf Of Targeted Countries Or Groups; Their Assets Are Blocked And U.S. Persons Are Prohibited From Dealing With Them. "Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons List (SDN) Human Readable Lists. As part of its enforcement efforts, OFAC publishes a list of individuals and companies owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, targeted countries. It also lists individuals, groups, and entities, such as terrorists and narcotics traffickers designated under programs that are not country-specific. Collectively, such individuals and companies are called 'Specially Designated Nationals' or 'SDNs.' Their assets are blocked and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them." ("SDN List," United States Department of the Treasury , Accessed 9/25/18)
• U.S. Nationals Are Prohibited From Transactions Of Any Kind With SDNs And The Treasury Blocks Their Assets In The US; Additionally, It Is A Crime To Offer 'Material Support' To Individuals On The SDN List In The Form Of Training Or Similar Service. "US nationals are prohibited from transactions of any kind with SDNs, and the Treasury will act to block their assets in the US. Under provisions in the Patriot Act, it is also a crime to offer 'material support' to terrorists and terrorist organizations on the SDN list in the form of training or similar services." ("What Is The Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons List," ComplyAdvantage , Accessed 8/23/18)
• "The SDN List Represents An Essential Tool In The Fight Against Money Laundering And Terrorist Financing In The United States And Around The World." "The OFAC SDN List. The OFAC SDN list represents an essential tool in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing in the United States and around the world." ("What Is The Specially Designated Nationals And Blocked Persons List," ComplyAdvantage , Accessed 8/23/18)

FIGURE 1 : All Data Obtained From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES TOWARDS THE DENUCLEARIZATION OF NORTH KOREA

President Trump Has Pledged To Hold North Korea Accountable And Put An End To The Kim's Regime Illicit Missile And Nuclear Activity

In April 2017, The Trump Administration Approved A Policy Of "Maximum Pressure" Aimed At Halting North Korea's Illicit Missile And Nuclear Activity Through The Application Of Sanctions And Other Diplomatic Means. "But behind the scenes, the Trump administration has completed a two-month comprehensive review of the North Korea policy that was approved by all of the top National Security Council officials this month, a senior White House official who has read the policy confirmed to me. The policy calls for 'maximum pressure' against the North Korean regime to try to halt its illicit missile and nuclear activity, through sanctions and other diplomatic means. The policy does not call for 'regime change' but in facts calls for engagement with the North Korea regime, if and when it changes its behavior." (Josh Rogin, "Trump's North Korea Policy Is 'Maximum Pressure' But Not 'Regime Change,'" The Washington Post , 04/14/17)

In An Address To The United Nations General Assembly In September 2017, President Trump Condemned North Korea And Said "No Nation On Earth Has An Interest In Seeing This Band Of Criminals Arm Itself With Nuclear Weapons And Missiles ." PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: "It is an outrage that some nations would not only trade with such a regime, but would arm, supply, and financially support a country that imperils the world with nuclear conflict. No nation on earth has an interest in seeing this band of criminals arm itself with nuclear weapons and missiles." (Donald Trump, "Remarks By President Trump To The 72^nd Session Of The United Nations General Assembly," The White House , 9/19/17)

President Trump: "It Is Time For North Korea To Realize That Denuclearization Is Its Only Acceptable Future." TRUMP: "It is time for North Korea to realize that the denuclearization is its only acceptable future. The United Nations Security Council recently held two unanimous 15-0 votes adopting hard-hitting resolutions against North Korea, and I want to thank China and Russia for joining the vote to impose sanctions, along with all of the other members of the Security Council. Thank you to all involved." (Donald Trump, "Remarks By President Trump To The 72^nd Session Of The United Nations General Assembly," The White House , 9/19/17)

In 2017, Under Pressure From The Trump Administration, The U.N. Security Council Passed Two Unanimous Resolutions Imposing "Draconian" Economic Sanctions On North Korea

The Trump Administration Has Pushed Through Two Unanimous Security Council Resolutions Imposing "Ever More Draconian" Economic Sanctions On North Korea. "The first concerns the Trump administration's escalating pressure campaign against North Korea. On Tillerson's watch, of course, the United States has pushed through two unanimous U.N. Security Council resolutions imposing ever more draconian economic sanctions on Pyongyang." (John Hannah, "Two Cheers For Rex," Foreign Policy , 11/29/17)

• Ranking Member Of The Foreign Affairs Committee Ben Cardin (D-MD) Called President Trump's North Korea Resolution At The United Nations A "Major Accomplishment" And Praised The President's Policy. SENATOR BEN CARDIN (D-MD): "That was a good move. That was a major accomplishment and I give our team a lot of credit for getting that done. There are pretty strong additional sanctions to be imposed against North Korea because of their continued testing of ballistic missiles. So that was absolutely a strong move forward and it was great to see China and Russia join us in that." (Fox News' " Fox News Sunday ," 12/24/17)

In March 2017, President Trump Sanctioned North Korea For Its Use Of Chemical Weapons In The Attempted Assassination Of Kim Jon Un's Half Brother Kim Jong-Nam

In March 2017, The Trump Administration Announced Sanctions On North Korea For The Assassination Of Kim Jong-Nam, Half Brother Of North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un. "The Trump administration has announced new sanctions against North Korea after concluding that the country ordered the assassination of Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un." (Leila Miller, "Trump Administration Says North Korea Used VX To Kill Kim Jon-Un's Half Brother," PBS , 3/7/18)

The New Sanctions Restricting U.S. Foreign Aid And Financial Assistance Were Announced Following A Determination That North Korea Had Used Chemical Agents In The Assassination. "In announcing the new sanctions on Tuesday, the State Department said it had determined in late February that North Korea used the chemical agent to assassinate Kim. North Korea had already been subject to sanctions by both the U.S. and the United Nations. The new sanctions place additional restrictions on things like U.S. foreign aid and financial assistance." (Leila Miller, "Trump Administration Says North Korea Used VX To Kill Kim Jon-Un's Half Brother," PBS , 3/7/18)

At The Time, Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert Said That The United States Strongly Condemned The Use Of Chemical Weapons To Conduct An Assassination And Underscored That The U.S. Could Not Afford To Tolerate A North Korean WMD Program Of Any Kind. "The sanctions took effect upon publication of this determination in the Federal Register on March 5, 2018. The United States strongly condemns the use of chemical weapons to conduct an assassination. This public display of contempt for universal norms against chemical weapons use further demonstrates the reckless nature of North Korea and underscores that we cannot afford to tolerate a North Korean WMD program of any kind." (Press Release, "Imposition Of Chemical And Biological Weapons Control And Warfare Elimination Act Sanctions On North Korea," United States State Department , 3/6/18)

The Trump Administration Has Blocked The Assets Of At Least 220 Individuals, Entities, Or Vessels Using Treasury's North Korea Sanctions Authority

Since President Trump's Inauguration, The Treasury Department Has Placed 220 Individuals, Entities, Vessels Or Aircraft On The SDN List Under North Korea Designations. (See Figure 2, Data Compiled By GOP Research Department, All Data Sourced From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control )

• The Trump Administration Has Placed 145 Entities, Individuals, Vessels Or Aircrafts Under Executive Order 13810 (DPRK4) Designations. (See Figure 2, Data Compiled By GOP Research Department, All Data Sourced From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control )
• The Trump Administration Has Placed 44 Entities, Individuals, Vessels Or Aircrafts Under Executive Order 13722 (DPRK3) Designations. (See Figure 2, Data Compiled By GOP Research Department, All Data Sourced From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control )
• The Trump Administration Has Placed 31 Entities, Individuals, Vessels Or Aircrafts Under Executive Order 13687 (DPRK2) Designations . (See Figure 2, Data Compiled By GOP Research Department, All Data Sourced From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control )

FIGURE 2 : All Data Obtained From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

While North Korea Averaged A Missile Launch Every 24 Days During President Obama's Last Year In Office, North Korea Has Not Engaged In Any Missile Launches During The Last 302 Days Under President Trump

North Korea's Most Recently Recorded Missile Test Came 302 Days Ago On November 11, 2017. ("The North Korean Missile Test Tracker," Nuclear Threat Initiative, Accessed 9/25/18)

During The Final Year Of The Obama Administration, North Korea Averaged A Missile Launch Every 24 Days . ("The North Korean Missile Testing Database," Nuclear Threat Initiative , Accessed 9/25/18)

FIGURE 3 : (Spreadsheet Created By GOP Research Department, All Data Sourced From The The North Korean Missile Testing Database )

On June 12, The United States And North Korea Held A Historic Summit In Singapore Resulting In A Joint Agreement To Achieve The Complete Denuclearization Of The Korean Peninsula

On June 12, 2018, President Trump And Chairman Kim Jong Un Of The Democratic People's Republic Of Korea Held A Historic Summit In Singapore. "President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a first, historic summit in Singapore on June 12, 2018." (Press Release, "Joint Statement Of President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the Singapore Summit," The White House , 6/12/18)

Following The Summit, Chairman Kim Jong Un Reaffirmed His Commitment To The Complete Denuclearization Of The Korean Peninsula. "President Trump committed to provide security guarantees to the DPRK, and Chairman Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." (Press Release, "Joint Statement Of President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the Singapore Summit," The White House , 6/12/18)

The U.S. And DPRK Committed To Hold Follow-On Negotiations At The Earliest Possible Date To Implement The Outcomes Of The Summit. "The United States and the DPRK commit to hold follow-on negotiations, led by the U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and a relevant high-level DPRK official, at the earliest possible date, to implement the outcomes of the U.S.-DPRK summit." (Press Release, "Joint Statement Of President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the Singapore Summit," The White House , 6/12/18)

The U.S. And The DPRK Committed To Cooperate For The Development Of New Relations Between The Two Countries And For The Promotion Of "Peace, Prosperity, And Security Of The Korean Peninsula And Of The World." "President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have committed to cooperate for the development of new U.S.-DPRK relations and for the promotion of peace, prosperity, and security of the Korean Peninsula and of the world." (Press Release, "Joint Statement Of President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea at the Singapore Summit," The White House , 6/12/18)

In Addition To Agreeing To Denuclearize, Chairman Kim Jong Un Agreed To Destroy A Major Missile Engine Test Site In Kusong, North Korea

Following The Signing Of The Joint Agreement In Singapore, President Trump Told The Press That Chairman Kim Jong Un Informed Him North Korea Had Agreed To Destroy A Major Missile Engine Testing Site. PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP (R): "Chairman Kim says North Korea is also destroying a major missile engine testing site. That's not in your signed document. We agreed to that after the agreement was signed. That's a big thing. The missiles they were testing. The site will be destroyed very soon." (President Donald J. Trump, Remarks At U.S.-DPRK Summit , Singapore, 6/12/18)

The Associated Press Reported That Kim Jong Un's Pledge To Destroy A North Korean Missile Testing Site Was Supported By The Findings Of A Recent U.S. Study. "President Donald Trump's comments that North Korea is destroying a major missile engine testing site seems to support a recent U.S. study that the country was razing a facility crucial to its development of mid-range solid-fuel missiles." ("Trump's Comments Back US Report Of Razed N. Korean Test Site," The Associated Press , 6/12/18)

• U.S. Analyst Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. Confirmed North Korea Was Razing A Test Facility Near The Northwest City Of Kusong. "In a study published last week in the North Korea-focused 38 North website, U.S. analyst Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. said recent commercial satellite images showed the North was razing a test facility near the northwest city of Kusong." ("Trump's Comments Back US Report Of Razed N. Korean Test Site," The Associated Press , 6/12/18)

On July 23, North Korea Began Dismantling Facilities At The Former Main Site For North Korean Satellite Launches

On July 23, North Korea Began Dismantling Facilities At Formerly The Main Site For North Korean Satellite Launches In Sohae. "North Korea has begun dismantling the facilities at the satellite launch station in Sohae, according to an analysis of commercial satellite imagery released on the 38 North website. The Sohae location has been the main site for North Korean satellite launches since 2012." (Adam Taylor, "North Korea Begins Dismantling Key Test Site, Satellite Imagery Suggests," The Washington Post , 7/23/18)

The Testing Facilities At Sohae Are Also Thought To Play A Role In The Development Of Liquid-Fuel Engines Used In North Korea's Ballistic Missile Program. "The testing facilities at the site are thought to play a role in the development of liquid-fuel engines that can also be used in North Korea's ballistic missile program." (Adam Taylor, "North Korea Begins Dismantling Key Test Site, Satellite Imagery Suggests," The Washington Post , 7/23/18)

The U.S. Based Website 38 North Called The Site Dismantlement "An Important First Step" Towards Fulfilling A Commitment Made By Kim Jon Un At The June 12 Singapore Summit. "In an important first step towards fulfilling a commitment made by Kim Jong Un at the June 12 Singapore Summit, new commercial satellite imagery of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station (North Korea's main satellite launch facility since 2012) indicates that the North has begun dismantling key facilities." ("North Korea Begins Dismantling Key Facilities At The Sohae Satellite Launching Station," 38 North, 7/23/18)

Since Entering Office, President Trump Has Secured The Release Of Four Americans Detained In North Kore And Brought Home The Remains Of 55 American Servicemen

The New York Times Reported On July 27, 2018 That Remains Believed To Be Those Of 55 American Servicemen Were Flown Out Of North Korea. "Remains believed to be those of 55 American servicemen were flown out of North Korea on Friday, the first visible result of President Trump's efforts to bring the American war dead home 65 years after the end of combat in the Korean War." (Choe Sang-Hun, "Remains Of 55 U.S. War Dead In North Korea Start Journey Home After 65 Years," The New York Times , 7/30/18)

The NYT's Called The News The "First Visible Result Of President Trump's Efforts To Bring The American War Dead Home 65 Years After The End Of Combat In The Korean War ." "Remains believed to be those of 55 American servicemen were flown out of North Korea on Friday, the first visible result of President Trump's efforts to bring the American war dead home 65 years after the end of combat in the Korean War." (Choe Sang-Hun, "Remains Of 55 U.S. War Dead In North Korea Start Journey Home After 65 Years," The New York Times , 7/30/18)

On June 14, 2017, Otto Warmbier, An American Student Held Captive In North Korea, Was Released And Returned To The United States Following Diplomatic Efforts Of The Trump Administration. "An American college student whose parents say has been in a coma while serving a 15-year prison term in North Korea was released and returned to the United States Tuesday as the Trump administration revealed a rare exchange with the reclusive country. An airplane carrying Otto Warmbier, who's from Ohio, arrived in Cincinnati shortly before 10:20 p.m. Warmbier was then taken by ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment." ("US College Student Released By North Korea Arrives In Ohio," The Associated Press , 06/14/17)

On May 10, 2018, Three Americans Freed From North Korea Arrived In Virginia Following Diplomatic Efforts From The Trump Administration. "Three American prisoners freed from North Korea arrived here early Thursday to a personal welcome from President Trump, who traveled to an air base in the middle of the night to meet them. Waving their hands and flashing peace signs, the freed prisoners - Kim Dong-chul, Tony Kim and Kim Hak-song - descended the stairs of their plane, flanked by the president and senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who had flown to Pyongyang, the North's capital, to secure their release." (Katie Rogers, "Trump Greets 3 American Detainees Freed From North Korea," The New York Times , 5/10/18)

PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS PULLED THE U.S. FROM THE FLAWED IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL AND PLACED DEVASTATING SANCTIONS ON A ROGUE IRANIAN REGIME

On The Campaign Trail And In Office, Donald Trump Promised To End Obama's Flawed Nuclear Deal With Iran And Confront The Regime Over Its Dangerous Nuclear Provocations

Then-Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump: "My Number One Priority Is To Dismantle The Disastrous Deal With Iran." THEN REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DONALD TRUMP: "Thank you. My number one priority is to dismantle the disastrous deal with Iran. Thank you. I have been in business a long time, I know deal making and let me tell you, this deal is catastrophic for America, for Israel and for the whole of the Middle East." (Donald J. Trump, Remarks At The AIPAC Policy Conference , Washington, D.C., 3/21/16)

Trump Promised To Not Let Iran Get Away With Its Missile Launches And Nuclear Provocations: "We're Not Letting It Happen And We're Not Letting It Happen To Israel, Believe Me." TRUMP: "Iran has already, since the deal is in place, test-fired ballistic missiles three times. Those ballistic missiles, with a range of 1,250 miles, were designed to intimidate not only Israel, which is only 600 miles away, but also intended to frighten Europe and someday maybe hit even the United States and we're not going to let that happen, we're not letting it happen and we're not letting it happen to Israel, believe me." (Donald J. Trump, Remarks At The AIPAC Policy Conference , Washington, D.C., 3/21/16)

In An Address To The United Nations, President Donald Trump Made Clear To The United Nations It Was "Time For The Entire World To Demand The Iranian Government End Their Pursuit Of Death And Destruction." TRUMP: "It is time for the entire world to join us in demanding that Iran's government end its pursuit of death and destruction." (President Donald Trump, Remarks At The United Nations , New York, N.Y., 09/19/17)

In October 2017, President Trump Announced His Administration's Strategy To Confront The Islamic Republic Of Iran Due To Its "Sponsorship Of Terrorism" And "Continuing Aggression In The Middle East And Around The World." TRUMP: "Today, I am announcing our strategy, along with several major steps we are taking to confront the Iranian regime's hostile actions and to ensure that Iran never, and I mean never, acquires a nuclear weapon. Our policy is based on a clear-eyed assessment of the Iranian dictatorship, its sponsorship of terrorism, and its continuing aggression in the Middle East and all around the world." (President Donald Trump, Remarks By President Trump On Iran Strategy , Washington, D.C., 10/13/17)

On May 8, President Trump Withdrew The United States From The Iran Nuclear Deal

President Trump: "The Iranian Regime Is The Leading State Sponsor Of Terror" And "It Exports Dangerous Missiles, Fuels Conflicts Across The Middle East, And Supports Terrorist Proxies And Militias Such As Hezbollah, Hamas, The Taliban, And al Qaeda." TRUMP: "The Iranian regime is the leading state sponsor of terror. It exports dangerous missiles, fuels conflicts across the Middle East, and supports terrorist proxies and militias such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Taliban, and al Qaeda. Over the years, Iran and its proxies have bombed American embassies and military installations, murdered hundreds of American service members, and kidnapped, imprisoned, and tortured American citizens. The Iranian regime has funded its long reign of chaos and terror by plundering the wealth of its own people. (President Donald Trump, Remarks By President Trump On The Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action , The White House, 5/8/18)

• "No Action Taken By The Regime Has Been More Dangerous Than Its Pursuit Of Nuclear Weapons And The Means Of Delivering Them." TRUMP: "No action taken by the regime has been more dangerous than its pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means of delivering them." (President Donald Trump, Remarks By President Trump On The Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action , The White House, 5/8/18)
• "It Is Clear To Me That We Cannot Prevent An Iranian Nuclear Bomb Under The Decaying And Rotten Structure Of The Current Agreement." TRUMP: "After these consultations, it is clear to me that we cannot prevent an Iranian nuclear bomb under the decaying and rotten structure of the current agreement. The Iran deal is defective at its core. If we do nothing, we know exactly what will happen. In just a short period of time, the world's leading state sponsor of terror will be on the cusp of acquiring the world's most dangerous weapons." (President Donald Trump, Remarks By President Trump On The Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action , The White House, 5/8/18)
• "Therefore, I Am Announcing Today That The United States Will Withdraw From The Iran Nuclear Deal." TRUMP: "Therefore, I am announcing today that the United States will withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. In a few moments, I will sign a presidential memorandum to begin reinstating U.S. nuclear sanctions on the Iranian regime. We will be instituting the highest level of economic sanction. Any nation that helps Iran in its quest for nuclear weapons could also be strongly sanctioned by the United States." (President Donald Trump, Remarks By President Trump On The Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action , The White House, 5/8/18)

Following The United States' Withdrawal From The Iran Nuclear Agreement, President Trump Directed The Re-Imposition Of Sanctions On Iran

On May 8, 2018, President Trump Directed The Secretary Of State And Secretary Of Treasury To Immediately Began Taking Steps To Re-Impose All United States Sanctions Lifted Or Waived In Connection With The JCPOA. "The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury shall immediately begin taking steps to re-impose all United States sanctions lifted or waived in connection with the JCPOA, including those under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, and the Iran Freedom and Counter-proliferation Act of 2012." (Presidential Memoranda, "Ceasing U.S. Participation In The JCPOA And Taking Additional Action To Counter Iran's Malign Influence And Deny Iran All Paths To A Nuclear Weapon," The White House , 5/8/18)

President Trump Directed The Sanctions Be Re-Imposed In No Later Than 180 Days From The Date Of His May 8, Memorandum. "The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury shall immediately begin taking steps to re-impose all United States sanctions lifted or waived in connection with the JCPOA, including those under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, and the Iran Freedom and Counter-proliferation Act of 2012. These steps shall be accomplished as expeditiously as possible, and in no case later than 180 days from the date of this memorandum." (Presidential Memoranda, "Ceasing U.S. Participation In The JCPOA And Taking Additional Action To Counter Iran's Malign Influence And Deny Iran All Paths To A Nuclear Weapon," The White House , 5/8/18)

• On August 6, The First Batch Of Sanctions On Iran Dictated By President Trump's May 8, 2018, Memoranda Were Re-Imposed. "Under the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, the United States agreed to relax sanctions on Iran. But the Trump administration has now begun to put them back in place, with the first batch to be re-imposed Monday." (Ishaan Tharoor, "Trump Reimposes Sanctions On Iran. Now What?" The Washington Post , 8/6/18)
• The Reimposed Sanctions Target Automobiles, Gold, Steel And Other Key Metals. "Those sanctions target a range of economic sectors, including automobiles, gold, steel and other key metals. (Ishaan Tharoor, "Trump Reimposes Sanctions On Iran. Now What?" The Washington Post , 8/6/18)
• After 90 Days, Additional Sanctions On Iran's Oil Industry Are Set To Go Into Effect. "After 90 days, a heftier tranche of sanctions on Iran's oil industry is set to go back into effect." (Ishaan Tharoor, "Trump Reimposes Sanctions On Iran. Now What?" The Washington Post , 8/6/18)

The Trump Administration Has Blocked The Assets Of At Least 195 Individuals, Entities, Or Vessels Using Treasury's Iran Sanctions Authority

Since President Trump's Inauguration, The Treasury Department Has Placed 195 Individuals, Entities, Vessels Or Aircraft On The SDN List Under Iran Related Designations. (See Figure 4, Data Compiled By GOP Research Department, All Data Sourced From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control )

• The Trump Administration Has Placed 140 Entities, Individuals, Vessels Or Aircrafts Under Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations (IFSR) Designations. (See Figure 4, Data Compiled By GOP Research Department, All Data Sourced From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control )
• The Trump Administration Has Placed 38 Entities, Individuals, Vessels Or Aircrafts Under Iranian Financial Sanctions Regulations (IRGC) Designations. (See Figure 4, Data Compiled By GOP Research Department, All Data Sourced From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control )
• The Trump Administration Has Placed 10 Entities, Individuals, Vessels Or Aircrafts Under Executive Order 13553 (IRAN-HR) Designations . (See Figure 4, Data Compiled By GOP Research Department. All Data Sourced From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control )
• The Trump Administration Has Placed 5 Entities, Individuals, Vessels Or Aircrafts Under Iran Threat Reduction And Syria Human Rights Act Of 2012 (IRAN-TRA) Designations. (See Figure 4, Data Compiled By GOP Research Department, All Data Sourced From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control )
• The Trump Administration Has Placed 2 Entities, Individuals, Vessels Or Aircrafts Under Executive Order 13606 - Iran (HRIT-IR) Designations. (See Figure 4, Data Compiled By GOP Research Department, All Data Sourced From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control )

FIGURE 4 : All Data Obtained From The United States Office Of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Iran's Economy Has Already Suffered A Series Of "Withering Economic And Military Setbacks" Thanks To President Trump's Sanctions

"Since Trump Took Office, Iran Has Weathered A Series Of Withering Economic And Military Setbacks." "Since Trump took office, Iran has weathered a series of withering economic and military setbacks." (Alex Lockie, "Trump Is Beating Up On Iran - And It's Making Obama Look Weak," Business Insider , 9/21/18)

Business Insider: Experts Say Iran "Has Few Remaining Economic Lifelines." " Despite the pain Iran took from Trump's sanctions, experts contacted by Business Insider expect it to remain in the deal. They say the country has few remaining economic lifelines, and publicly breaching the deal to go nuclear could snuff out the remaining embers." (Alex Lockie, "Trump Is Beating Up On Iran - And It's Making Obama Look Weak," Business Insider , 9/21/18)

Business Insider: "Trump Is Beating Up On Iran - And It's Making Obama Look Weak" (Alex Lockie, "Trump Is Beating Up On Iran - And It's Making Obama Look Weak," Business Insider , 9/21/18)

The New York Times : "Trump Hit Iran With Oil Sanctions, So Far, They're Working" (Clifford Krauss, "Trump Hit Iran With Oil Sanctions, So Far, They're Working," The New York Times , 9/19/18)

• "Nearly Two Months Before American Oil Sanctions Go Into Effect, Iran's Crude Exports Are Plummeting." "Nearly two months before American oil sanctions go into effect, Iran's crude exports are plummeting." (Clifford Krauss, "Trump Hit Iran With Oil Sanctions, So Far, They're Working," The New York Times , 9/19/18)
• International Oil Companies Are Bailing Out Of Deals With Tehran. "International oil companies, including those from countries that are still committed to the nuclear agreement, are bailing out of deals with Tehran." (Clifford Krauss, "Trump Hit Iran With Oil Sanctions, So Far, They're Working," The New York Times , 9/19/18)

Financial Times : "US Sanctions Are Already Causing Economic Malaise That Has Stoked Public Dissent In Iran." "US sanctions are already causing economic malaise that has stoked public dissent in Iran, with the currency, the rial, plummeting by around 70 per cent against the dollar this year." (Najmeh Bozorgmehr and Katrina Manson, "Iran Accuses US Of 'Starting A War' In Fight Over Sanctions," Financial Times , 9/23/18)

The Iran Rial Has Plummeted 70% Against The Dollar Due To Sanctions. "US sanctions are already causing economic malaise that has stoked public dissent in Iran, with the currency, the rial, plummeting by around 70 per cent against the dollar this year." (Najmeh Bozorgmehr and Katrina Manson, "Iran Accuses US Of 'Starting A War' In Fight Over Sanctions," Financial Times , 9/23/18)

President Trump Has Taken An Aggressive Track Against Iran And Has "Yet To Suffer A Single Tangible Consequence Or Any Of the Nightmare Scenarios That President Obama Warned Against. "President Donald Trump has, at almost every turn, defied experts on Iran policy to take a very aggressive track against Tehran. Despite this, Trump has yet to suffer a single tangible consequence or any of the nightmare scenarios that President Barack Obama warned against." (Alex Lockie, "Trump Is Beating Up On Iran - And It's Making Obama Look Weak," Business Insider , 9/21/18)

PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS CRACKED DOWN ON CHEMICAL WEAPONS VIOLATORS

In Response To Russia's Use Of A Nerve Agent, The United States Expelled Sixty Russian Spies, Closed A Consulate, And Implemented Chemical Weapons Sanctions Against Russia

On August 27, Sanctions Were Implemented Against Russia For Its Use Of the Nerve Agent "Novichok" In The Attempted Assassination Of UK Citizen Sergei Skripal And Daughter Yulia Skripal . "The latest round of U.S. sanctions against Russia go into effect Monday for its alleged role in the use of a chemical weapon to poison a former Russian spy. The State Department formally listed the sanctions on the federal register early Monday morning. The sanctions come in response to the Novichok nerve agent attack on former Russian intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in England earlier this year. Among the sanctions imposed include denying the Russian state any foreign assistance, arms sales, financial assistance and exports of technology and sensitive goods." (Emily Tillett, "Russia Sanctions Take Effect Monday For Nerve Agent Attack On Former Spy," CBS News , 8/27/18)

• Novichok Is Considered To Be The Most Lethal Nerve Agent In The World, And Has Been Produced By The Russian Government For Decades. "Novichok is part of a group of nerve agents considered to be the most lethal in the world, and the Russian government has been producing it for decades." (Alex Ward, "The British Government Says Russia Poisoned An Ex-Spy In The U.K. Now London Is Striking Back," Vox , 03/14/18)

Due To These New Sanctions, Nearly All Technology Export Requests From Russia Will Be Denied. "A State Department official said the first new sanctions would take effect in two weeks, including a broad ban on technology exports to Russia. Most national-security-related technology is already restricted, but some is permitted on a case-by-case basis. When the new ban is in place, the official said, nearly all export requests - including electronics and engines - will be denied. The official briefed reporters under a State Department-imposed condition of anonymity." (Karen DeYoung and Carol Morello, "Trump Administration To Impose New Sanctions On Russia For Nerve Agent Attack In England," The Washington Post , 8/8/18)

In Addition, Unless Russia Agrees To Stop All Use Of Chemical Weapons And Permits Inspections Within Ninety Days, The U.S. Will Pursue Additional Measures Including The Withdrawal Of Loans And Suspension Of Diplomatic Relations. "Unless Russia agrees within 90 days to stop all use of chemical weapons and permit inspections to confirm their elimination, the law requires selection from a broad range of additional measures, including withdrawal of U.S. support for international loans and U.S. bank loans, prohibition of landing rights for Russian airlines, and suspension of diplomatic relations." (Karen DeYoung and Carol Morello, "Trump Administration To Impose New Sanctions On Russia For Nerve Agent Attack In England," The Washington Post , 8/8/18)

On March 26, President Trump Expelled Sixty Russians From The United States In Response To The Poisoning. "President Trump ordered the expulsion of 60 Russians from the United States on Monday, adding to a growing cascade of similar actions taken by western allies in response to Russia's alleged poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain." (Katie Rogers and Eileen Sullivan, "Trump And Western Allies Expel Scores Of Russians In Sweeping Rebuke Over U.K. Poisoning," The New York Times , 03/26/18)

• The Expulsion Order Also Closed The Russian Consulate In Seattle. "The American expulsion order, announced by administration officials, includes 12 people identified as Russian intelligence officers who have been stationed at the United Nations in New York, and also closes the Russian consulate in Seattle. The Russians and their families have seven days to leave the United States, according to officials." (Katie Rogers and Eileen Sullivan, "Trump And Western Allies Expel Scores Of Russians In Sweeping Rebuke Over U.K. Poisoning," The New York Times , 03/26/18)

In April 2017, President Trump Launched A Cruise Missile Strike On Syrian Military Targets And Sanctioned More Than 270 Individuals For Syria's Use Of Chemical Weapons

In April 2017, More Than 80 Syrians Were Killed In A Chemicals Weapons Attack Launched By The Syrian Government In The Rebel-Held Town Of Khan Sheikoun. "More than 80 people were killed in a suspected chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun in north-western Syria on 4 April. Hundreds suffered symptoms consistent with reaction to a nerve agent after what the opposition and Western powers said was a Syrian government air strike on the area." ("Syria Chemical 'Attack': What We Know," BBC, 4/26/17)

In Response To The Chemical Weapons Attack, President Trump Ordered A Cruise Missile Strike On A Syrian Military Airbase. "On April 6, Trump ordered a cruise missile strike on a Syrian military airbase in response to a sarin attack that killed more than 70 people, including civilians, in Syria's Idlib province. The strike ended six years in which the U.S. avoided direct conflict with Assad, even while it supported elements of the armed insurrection against him in the aftermath of the popular uprisings that consumed Arab states in 2011." (Jared Malsin, "Trump's Chemical Weapons Warning Raises The Stakes For War In Syria," Time , 06/27/17)

On April 24, 2017, The U.S. Treasury Sanctioned 271 Syrian Scientific Studies And Research Center Employees In Response To The Sarin Attack On Khan Sheikhoun. "Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is taking action in response to the April 4, 2017 sarin attack on innocent civilians in Khan Sheikhoun, Syria, by the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. In one of the largest sanctions actions in its history, OFAC is designating 271 employees of Syria's Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC), the Syrian government agency responsible for developing and producing non-conventional weapons and the means to deliver them. These 271 SSRC employees have expertise in chemistry and related disciplines and/or have worked in support of SSRC's chemical weapons program since at least 2012." (Press Release, "Treasury Sanctions 271 Syrian Scientific Studies And Research Center Staff In Response To Sarin Attack On Khan Sheikhoun," U.S. Treasury Department , 4/24/17)

U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin Said The U.S. Was Sending A Strong Message That It Would "Hold The Entire Assad Regime Accountable For These Blatant Human Rights Violations In Order To Deter The Spread Of These Types Of Barbaric Chemical Weapons." "'The United States is sending a strong message with this action that we will hold the entire Assad regime accountable for these blatant human rights violations in order to deter the spread of these types of barbaric chemical weapons,' said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. 'We take Syria's disregard for innocent human life very seriously, and will relentlessly pursue and shut down the financial networks of all individuals involved with the production of chemical weapons used to commit these atrocities.'" (Press Release, "Treasury Sanctions 271 Syrian Scientific Studies And Research Center Staff In Response To Sarin Attack On Khan Sheikhoun," U.S. Treasury Department , 4/24/17)

---

National Defense Missile Defense Read more research