James Mattis, in major break with Trump, insists U.S. must 'live up to' Iran deal
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
President-elect Donald Trump doesn't seem to have the support of his defense secretary nominee when it comes to scrapping the Iran nuclear deal on day one of his presidency. Retired Marine Gen. James Mattis said at his Senate confirmation hearing Thursday that while the deal is "an imperfect arms control agreement," he thinks the U.S. must uphold the deal — which Trump has dubbed "one of the dumbest deals ever."
Mattis argued the agreement, which involves the U.S. and five other countries lifting its sanctions on Iran in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program, is integral to security in the region. "When America gives her word, we have to live up to it and work with our allies," Mattis said.
Watch Mattis diverge from Trump below. Becca Stanek
Article continues belowThe Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com