Cheney, Panetta worry about consequences of Iran deal withdrawal

Dick Cheney and Leon Panetta, who served at the highest levels of US government, see potential unintended consequences of the Trump administration's decision to pull out of the Iran nuclear deal, including possible military action in the Middle East.

Cheney, who served as vice president in the George Bush administration, and Panetta, who served as President Barack Obama's defense secretary, pondered the consequences a day after US President Donald Trump left the international agreement, raising the risk of conflict in the Middle East, upsetting European allies and casting uncertainty over global oil supplies.

Panetta said the most worrisome issue for him is that Iran might continue to enrich uranium to build its nuclear capabilities. That could prompt Israel to react, Panetta said.