Iran and the P5+1 group of countries have reached a framework agreement after marathon sessions over the last eight days. Drafting of the agreement with all its technical details will begin soon to complete the process by June 30. Once completed, all sanctions against Iran whether by the UN, US or EU will be lifted in return for Iran limiting its nuclear activities for 10 years.
Islamic Iran's negotiators have made clear that if the P5+1 group of countries led by the US are really serious about a deal over Tehran's nuclear program, then all sanctions must be lifted. The latest round of talks have been underway in the Swiss city of Montreux. Iran's Foreign Minister Dr Javad Zarif and his US counterpart met yesterday and talks are continuing at expert level today. March 31 has been set as a deadline for a deal.
There was no progress in two days of talks in Oman despite the three top diplomats--Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Javad Zarif, US Secretary of State John Kerry and EU Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton--held 10 hours of discussions. The talks were described as “intense, serious and tough”. What this meant was that both sides held to their positions without making any concessions.
Can the West led by the US bring itself around to accepting Iran's rights under the NPT? It will all depend on whether Washington has the ability to withstand zionist blackmail. If US President Barack Obama is serious about a deal with Iran, he can get one by sticking to principles rather than putting forward ludicrous demands.
Iran and the six powers finally agreed on the wording of an interim agreement in Geneva over Tehran's nuclear program. The deal is for six months during which Iran will not expand its nuclear program. In return, it would get relief of about $4.2 billion in oil revenue sales. Relief on medicines and import of gold and metals would also be provided.
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State John Kerry met in New York to discuss ways of resolving the standoff about Iran's nuclear program. This was the first official meeting between Iran's foreign minister and his American counterpart in 34 years. While there has been much media hype about the meetings between officials of the two countries, it is yet to be seen whether any breakthrough will occur.
American officials lack even basic table manners for talks. While offering to talk to the Islamic Republic, they slap additional illegal sanctions. The revolutionary leadership in Iran has made clear there will be no talks until the Americans improve their manners.
Western governments have strange ways of dealing with others. They start with the claim that they represent the will of the international community.
Hopes aroused for a mutually acceptable approach to breaking the deadlock in Iran-P5+1 talks in Baghdad on May 23 and 24 were dashed because of Western duplicity.
