The P5+1 have passed their self-imposed March 31st deadline for reaching an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program, but they’re continuing to work on the issue in order to reach a long-awaited deal. The controversy over Iran’s nuclear program has carried on for over a decade already, and in the meantime, its drawn hysterical regional reactions from Israel and Saudi Arabia, the US’ closest Mideast allies, which publicly fear that Washington will reach an agreement with Tehran.
In an article entitled “Why Obama chose the Iran talks to take one of the biggest risks of his presidency”, Greg Jaffe from The Washington Post writes that:
“The president’s desire to keep negotiating reflects both the importance he has placed on the talks and his particular view of how American leadership, persistence and engagement with determined enemies can change the world. Obama often talks about moments in which American leadership can “bend the arc of human history.” An Iran accord represents exactly such an opportunity, as well as one of the most risky foreign policy gambles of his presidency.”
Vladimir Sotnikov, Director, East-West Strategic studies Center, Moscow independent think-tank (studio guest):
“After the Lausanne talks, we can exert cautious optimism but this framework deal should hopefully lead to a comprehensive agreement.”
“This is a victory of Russian diplomacy, Chinese diplomacy, the Europeans, the US, and of course Iranian diplomacy.”
“I know from my own experience that Iranians are tough negotiators.”
Sergei Batsanov, Director, Geneva office, Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, and a former Russian arms control diplomat:
“While everyone is speaking about President Obama’s role, Russia was extremely instrumental in creating a framework for bringing Iran to serious negotiations.”
“Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was one of the heroes.”
“It was Russia which came up with the comprehensive framework of how it should be handled.”
“It was Russia which pushed all sides to the negotiating table.”
Brandon Turbeville, US-based author, journalist, and geopolitical analyst:
“This is a rotten deal for Iran.”
“It’s being presented in Western media as a generous deal with the US bending over backwards.”
“There’s a realistic scenario that the deal won’t be applicable after the 2016 election.”
Kevork Elmassian, independent expert in International Relations:
“After this deal, Israel and Saudi Arabia will activate their proxies in Syria and Iraq.”
“The Israeli-Saudi relationship and their opposition to the nuclear deal with Iran isn’t something new.”
