IRAN/MIKE POMPEO/NUCLEAR/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT: “Iran is set to announce Wednesday [5-8-19] that it will reduce its commitments to the international nuclear pact it signed in 2015 as the US moves a Navy strike group and B-52 bombers to the region to counter perceived threats from Tehran and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made a surprise visit to the region. Exactly a year to the day after President Donald Trump announced the US was abandoning the landmark agreement meant to curb Iran’s nuclear program, President Hassan Rouhani will relay the decision to the European Union in a letter, while the British, French, German, Russian and Chinese ambassadors will be told in person at the foreign ministry, according to Iran’s state media IRNA…Iran’s decision to ease its adherence to the nuclear deal isn’t expected to unravel the pact anytime soon, according to analysts who said that the remaining parties will likely remain committed to shoring up to agreement. But it could further strain ties between the US and its European allies and heighten global tensions as Washington moves military firepower into the region and Iran prepares to adjust its approach to the deal.”
–Nicole Gaouette and Tara John, “Iran to reduce commitments to nuclear deal amid US pressure, military moves,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, May 7, 2019 10:26 pm