Negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 powers regarding Iran’s renegade nuclear program continued this week with several minor developments. The US is reportedly seeking assurances from Russia and China that they will not veto future initiatives at the Security Council to reinstate or “snapback” sanctions on Iran if it violates the terms of a nuclear agreement. Iranian officials, for their part, are declaring that all UN sanctions will be permanently lifted soon after a deal is signed. The ability of Iran to purchase and/or develop nuclear-related technology in the future is another highly disputed point between Teheran and Western powers. Several other sticking points remain as high level talks are scheduled to resume in Vienna next week. Meanwhile, competing approaches to negotiations with Iran were on display this week between Washington and its regional allies as well as within the US government.Read More
