The Iran Deal Worked
A year has passed since diplomats from Iran and the P5+1 (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States; plus Germany) defied conventional wisdom and struck a deal aimed at both preventing Iran from getting the bomb and preventing it from getting bombed.
Memo: Deal vs No Deal
View as PDF A good nuclear deal with Iran would expand limitations and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear program, blocking Iran’s pathways to a nuclear weapon and decreasing the risk of a costly, counterproductive war. From recent reports, such a deal could be within reach in the weeks ahead. Rejecting a good deal would be a […]
Iran Deal More Than a Nuclear Issue
The dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme was never just about centrifuges or breakout capabilities. It has always been a symptom of a larger geopolitical contest between the West (primarily the United States) and Iran, with roots that predate the 1979 Iranian revolution.
Iran Nuclear Deal Could Spell End of the War That Never Was
In less than a week, the outcome of the nuclear talks with Iran will be clear. According to one P5+1 diplomat, the possibilities — ranging from most to least likely — are an extension of the talks, a comprehensive agreement, or an agreement in principle.
How Close is Close?
As negotiations reconvene here in Vienna, Iran and its six counterparts in the P5+1 are close to finalizing a comprehensive nuclear deal that would end over a decade of conflict. How close is close? Some P5+1 negotiators say the deal is 95 percent done – but the remaining five percent is the most difficult details. […]
In Vienna, U.S. and Iran Working to Beat the Clock
Thousands of miles away from the spin factories in Washington and Tehran, negotiators are working diligently to seal the deal.
The Best Protection Against “Sneak Out” is an Iran Nuclear Deal
As negotiations with Iran have continued, one issue that has been raised is the concern of an Iranian “sneak out” to a bomb. Skeptics of the diplomatic process have even claimed that, under a nuclear agreement that increases inspections and verification mechanisms over Iran’s nuclear program, Iran could still maintain undeclared nuclear facilities that would give […]
Iran Nuclear Gridlock Is Political, Not Technical
The Iran nuclear talks present a rare opportunity for a major American diplomatic victory. If negotiators from the P5+1 and Iran bridge the remaining political gaps, they will resolve a major national security threat — a potential Iranian nuclear weapon — without a shot being fired. Ostensibly, the talks have reached an impasse over technical […]
Will Sanctions Hawks Kill an Iran Nuclear Deal?
Now that we are nearing the July 20 deadline for P5+1 and Iran nuclear talks, it is important that we have a sober understanding of the difficulties the White House will have tailoring sanctions relief so as to secure and sustain a lasting nuclear agreement.
Woodrow Wilson Center: Iran Nuclear Deal: The Road Ahead
“This is not going to be easy. Nobody should be under and illusions, and frankly, I don’t think anybody is under any illusions about how difficult this is going to be. That being said, its equally important to acknowledge that we are in uncharted waters. Nine months ago, where we are today would have been inconceivable.” Reza Marashi
Al Jazeera: US-Iran Deal: Compromise is Key
As a new phase of nuclear talks begins between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany (P5+1) in Vienna on February 18, one thing is clear: From here onwards, diplomacy depends primarily on the ability of the presidents of Iran and the US to absorb and sell compromise.
In Vienna, U.S. and Iran Inch Toward a Better Future
While we are not yet in the clear, we are most certainly in uncharted waters. Successful nuclear diplomacy in Geneva strengthened relationships between all relevant parties and provided valuable insights into their perspectives. Looking ahead, four big picture issues will go a long way toward making or breaking the peace.