The French president arrived for a state visit in the United States. As part of a three-day tour, Macron arrived on Monday in Washington D.C to discuss trade and the nuclear accord with American President Donald Trump.
This first-ever visit by President Macron will test the relationship between France and the U.S. According to Reuters, the discussions will be dominated by differences on several topics, but the most pressing matter is the iran deal.
As stated in the Reuters news release, the Iranian government was urging European leaders to persuade Trump from derailing the 2015 deal with Tehran, which involved other six world powers.
If Iran deal fails there is no alternative solution
Prior to Macron's scheduled arrival, he confirmed on Sunday there is no alternative route or even a "Plan B." In addition, this can be characterized as sort of a rescue mission to try and salvage the accord. The deal is called the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action.
Upon arriving, Macron explained to the media that his visit is paramount for their context. Also, there are numerous threats and uncertainties during our current times.
JUST IN: Upon arrival in the US, French President Macron says he will discuss bilateral and multilateral issues, security and trade during his visit with President Trump. pic.twitter.com/j5lu75qWKd
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) April 23, 2018
The Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif urged European government officials to endorse the accord.
Zarif wrote on Twitter that it was an all or nothing situation. He called on European leaders to not just urge Trump to remain in the deal, but begin implementing it in good faith.
JUST IN: French President Macron arrives in the US for his first official state visit with President Trump. pic.twitter.com/j8TpAUCIfm
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) April 23, 2018
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was reached on July 14, 2015.
It involved a number of countries (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States), and the European Union.
Once the deal was accomplished it would mean curbing Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
Moments after Macron landed, the White House had not made any statements in regards to the Iran accord.
The White House spokeswoman, Sarah Sanders, reiterated that President Trump still considered the deal to be bad.
Other European Leaders to arrive following Macron's visit
President Trump will host a series of high profile visits. After Macron departs, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, will be landing on Friday. The goal is to urge the U.S president to not walk away from the deal.
Macron arrived first to capitalize on what he considers to have an understanding with Trump. As reported by the New York Times, Macron will utilize his unusual bond with the American president and make the case on why the deals must be preserved for the-year-old nuclear agreement.
How the negotiations will go is still uncertain. Can the Europeans knock some consensus into President Trump? In the end, it will be entirely up to him to decide the fate of the agreement.