A year ago, we may not have imagined the breaking news out of Geneva, Switzerland Saturday night. The P5+1, referring to the United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, France; the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, plus Germany, reached a historic nuclear deal with Iran.
At 10:35 pm, Saturday night, President Obama held a press conference to announce the deal. He described the deal as a first step toward more comprehensive steps, describing a temporary 6 month plan toward a comprehensive agreement. The President reminded the nation of the history of concerns with Iran and his preference to resolve the issue peacefully.
Before now, Iran was unwilling to meet its obligations to the international community regarding enrichment of uranium and plutonium. Economic sanctions were dealt, oil sales reduced 50% having crippling effects on Iran’s ability to pay its bills. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has been open about the economic conditions in his country, saying they are worse than his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad let on.
President Obama has pursued intense diplomacy since President Rouhani was elected. The deal allows the United States and the international community to verify Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful. For the first time in decades, Iran has halted its nuclear program. President Obama described the access that will be given to the secret underground facility with five centrifuges that we often hear reports about. But the deal is temporary and allows for six more months to address more comprehensive concerns. In return, Iran gets modest relief from the severe sanctions. However, the continuation of tough sanctions over the next six months nonetheless.
The agreement recognizes Iran’s right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. But Iran must prove the peaceful nature of its program and ensure it cannot build a nuclear weapon. Secretary of State John Kerry represented the United States during the negotiations. He addressed the world around 5:00am Switzerland time, soon after President Obama.
One thing they both know is that Americans don’t want military engagement with Iran. This historic step toward renewing decades of lost diplomacy between the countries brings a welcome change to the news cycle. Less talk of Obamacare and more talk of accomplishment. The critics will surely say the deal does not go far enough but it is a good start. We still have six more months to close on a thorough comprehensive deal.
