Iranian Foreign Minister: 'We have never been closer' to nuclear deal

[boguspotus]

Source: CNN

Washington (CNN)—Days before the deadline for a nuclear deal, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif delivered a hopeful yet circumspect message in an English-language video message posted online.

"At this 11th hour, despite some differences that remain, we have never been closer to a lasting outcome," he said Friday. "But there is no guarantee."

Officials on both sides of the negotiating table have said they are hopeful they will be able to broker a final deal on Iran's nuclear program but have emphasized in recent days that gaps remain over items that could make or break the deal.

Zarif indicated in the YouTube video that a deal could be in sight, but only if both sides are willing to strive for a "balanced deal."


Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/03/politics/iranian-foreign-minister-zarif-nuclear-negotiations/index.html

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It would really be great if this actually works out. Here's to hope!!

[still_one]

1. It is noble prize winning material. It should be noted with concern though that their are elements

in Congress trying to undermine it, including democrats:

Menendez, Kirk introduce new Iran sanctions bill

http://thehill.com/policy/defense/230961-menendez-kirk-introduce-new-iran-sanctions-bill

The silver lining is that we are NOT the only country involved in the negotiations, and the President has veto power over the cowards in Congress

[davidpdx]

6. The article is several months old

if the bill passed they wouldn't be negotiating now. I think we are safe on that one.

[still_one]

8. It didn't pass, but there are still elements in congress trying to sabotage it

[Fred Sanders]

2. After last week is this icing on the cake for Obama? Or icing on the icing?

There are 6 countries who will sign a peace accord, a fact strangely missing from all American self-centered media discussions.

5 Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and Iran.....stop making this international accord, a world accord, all about you, Uncle Sam.

[Sunlei]

3. Iran better 'make a deal' there are several countries ready with more extreme ways to 'make them'

Not just the USA with the weak-sauce economic sanctions either.

[Comrade Grumpy]

4. Oh, yeah. That would work out swell.

[muriel_volestrangler]

5. Iran and world powers reach tentative agreement on sanctions relief

World powers and Iran have reached tentative agreement on sanctions relief for the Islamic Republic, among the most contentious issues in a long-term nuclear agreement that negotiators hope to clinch over the next several days, diplomats said on Saturday.

The annex hammered out by experts, one of five meant to accompany the agreement, outlines which US and international sanctions will be lifted and how quickly. Diplomats said senior officials of the seven-nation talks, which include Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, still had to sign off on the package.

Still, the word of significant progress indicated the sides were moving closer to a comprehensive accord that would set a decade of restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear programme in exchange for tens of billions of dollars in economic benefits.

Officials had described sanctions relief as one of the thorniest disagreements between Iran and the US, which has led the international campaign against Iran’s economy. The US and much of the world fears Iran’s enrichment of uranium and other activity could be designed to make nuclear weapons; Iran says its programme is meant only to generate power and for other peaceful purposes.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/04/iran-sanctions-relief-agreement

[davidpdx]

7. I've got my fingers crossed

The deal is a big one, bigger than Cuba. If we can start on the road toward normalized relations with Cuba, after this deal we should be able to do the same with Iran. I think we also benefit having Iran as an ally to help stabilize Iraq and Syria. The Middle Eastern countries need to start helping each other instead of the US intervening.