This chapter surrounds the Iran deal negotiated by President Obama. The deal needs a renewal after every 90 days, and only 2 days remain before the renewal date. Trump has already made it clear that he does not like the deal. He had said that he was aiming at getting the US out of the deal (Woodward 117). Though Rex Tillerson has been given the responsibility of dealing with the situation, we learn through his meetings that Preibus is sure that the president will not support the renewal. The only problem is that Iran is complying with any US demands and refusing to renew the deal may seem unjustified and as an act of principle (Woodward 117). Therefore, Trump eventually approves the renewal though claims that it is the last one. After the renewal, a letter is released, and Trump wants it to include the statement that Iran is “a leading state sponsor of terror” (Woodward 118). The letter makes Trump a target of criticism and he instructs Tillerson to hold a conference that will list all the grievances that are held against Iran (Woodward 118).

At the same time, Russia has warned Mattis privately against any attack on the Baltics to curb Russian influence, mentioning their willingness to use nuclear weapons under certain circumstances (Woodward 119).