How to Know if the Iran Deal Is a Good Deal

An agreement on containing Iran’s nuclear program should include three elements, explains Joe Cirincione, president of Ploughshares Fund: allow a civilian nuclear program but block all pathways to a bomb, organize thorough inspections and provide rapid response on punishments for cheating. IAEA officials have suggested that new inspection procedures could detect cheating in a matter of days. The third condition is the sticking point to finalizing an agreement: “It may be the key to the entire agreement. Iran wants the sanctions lifted immediately. We want them lifted slowly. We have to keep the unity of the P5+1 (the U.S., UK, France, China, Russia and Germany) in order to convince Iran to accept our terms and to make sure the sanctions will be there to snap back when needed.” Cirincione reminds that the United States is not acting alone, that sanctions passed by one nation lack teeth. A deal could allow Iran to use the centrifuges for purposes other than enriching uranium. Demands by hardliners could kill both agreement and current sanctions, allowing Iran’s nuclear program to continue. – YaleGlobal