TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A former CIA analyst said the recent nuclear deal between Iran and world powers could help fix strained Tehran-Washington ties, but the problem is that the US government still continues to portray the Islamic Republic as its arch-foe in the media.

“It was a really good thing that this accord was nailed down after two years of negotiations. The only problem I see is that the US government continues to portray Iran in the media as an enemy and adversary,” Elizabeth Murray told The News Tribune on Sunday.

“It’s useful for our government to portray Iran as a perennial enemy. It’s a profitable thing to have Iran as an enemy. Obviously we’re spending lots of money in the defense industry just by describing Iran as on the cusp of the weapons. It’s just the way things go in Washington,” she added.

“The 2007 National Intelligence Estimate, which represents the highest level consensus of the intelligence community, said Iran had not worked on a nuclear weapon since 2003. Even though this accord is nice, it’s basically reaffirming and verifying that Iran is not working on the weapon it has not been working on since 2003.”

Murray on Monday plans to share her thoughts on why the deal is a good one at a forum in University Place.

She spent 27 years in the CIA mostly working as a Middle East analyst and now works with the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action, the Poulsbo-based anti-nuclear organization.

Tehran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany- also known as P5+1 or E3+3) on July 14 reached a conclusion over the text of a comprehensive 159-page deal on Tehran’s nuclear energy program.

The deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), would terminate all nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran after coming into force.

By Tasnim News Agency