The Obama administration first argued that the Iran deal was a good deal and would have a beneficial impact on Iran’s behavior in the region. Then it fessed up that it might not be the best deal but the alternative was war. Then the argument became, well, “Iran is becoming more aggressive and heating up wars, but at least we have the Iran deal to stop its nuke program.” Now we don’t even have that.

Reuters reports:

Iran has stopped dismantling centrifuges in two uranium enrichment plants, state media reported on Tuesday, days after conservative lawmakers complained to President Hassan Rouhani that the process was too rushed.

Last week, Iran announced it had begun shutting down inactive centrifuges at the Natanz and Fordow plants under the terms of a deal struck with world powers in July that limits its nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions.

As a preliminary matter, this should surprise no one. The administration signaled again and again that it would give up virtually any bargaining position to achieve a deal, and then as Iran’s lack of compliance during the interim agreement came to light, the administration made excuses on Iran’s behalf. In other words: The Obama team would do anything to get a deal and anything to keep it.

Read the article “Iran is Not Honoring the Deal, so Why Should We?” on washingtonpost.com.