Rouhani has proven himself to be far from moderate. Iran has the highest per capita rate of executions of any country in the world under this regime.  While Iran’s economy flounders, billions of dollars have been spent supporting wars in the region, sparking riots and demonstrations.  Unfortunately, while the world thought the nuclear deal was fair, it failed miserably at addressing human rights issues in Iran.

Even more distressing, according to Mr. Stevenson, “Iran’s efforts to build a nuclear weapon have only been slowed down. Under the terms of the deal, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency are only permitted to visit Iran’s declared nuclear sites. Military bases are off limits and yet according to Western Intelligence, almost all of the nuclear activity is taking place on these military sites.  In addition, important aspects of the deal, such as restrictions on uranium enrichment and the production of heavy water, end after 10, 15 and 20 years.”

The deal also lifted sanctions and released more than $150 billion in frozen assets, an unintended jackpot, that even John Kerry admits may go toward funding Iran’s proxy wars in the region.  Those sanctions, coupled with the collapse in oil revenues, had crippled the theocratic regime. The regime was teetering on the brink of collapse and the nuclear pact threw them a vital lifeline. By signing the agreement with Iran, the P5 + 1 nations missed a unique opportunity let a rogue regime topple, and restore peace and stability to the region.  

Instead, human rights abuses continue, and Iranian expansionism continues.  Worse yet, Iranian citizens who thought they’d glimpsed a brighter future have been thoroughly disappointed.