Former U.S. diplomat George Paik says President Donald Trump's decision to exit the Obama-era nuclear deal could mean Iran will resume nuclear weapons development.

Paik is now affiliated with the World Affairs Forum, an organization aimed at educating Westchester County residents about global affairs and America's role in the world.

He says President Trump's message Tuesday is consistent with what he's been saying since he took office.

President Trump announced the U.S. is planning to reinstate all sanctions it had waived on Iran, but Paik says the move shouldn't have a direct security or economic impact in the Hudson Valley.

“There's a heightened level of risk and question in the world system and Iran has its economic influence, they can bottle the Persian Gulf, they can disrupt activities in Saudi Arabia,” he says.

The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran was in compliance with the deal.

A number of European allies have tried to convince President Trump to stay on board.

Trump is siding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently unveiled what he claims is evidence of a flawed Iran deal.

The sanctions against Iran could take months to go into effect.

Specific steps President Trump is expected to take are still unknown.