Iran Nuclear Talks Fail, But Extension Seen Likely

Last Week of Interim Deal Begins With Both Sides Far Apart

The latest round of nuclear talks between the P5+1 and Iran have failed, and with just a week left before the six-month interim nuclear deal expires, no deal seems possible in the near-term.

Though both sides had initially presented the six-month deadline as virtually set in stone, they remain far apart and now both sides seem to be warming to the idea of an extension to keep the talks going.

The interim deal has been quite a success, with Iran meeting all of its pledges and more with regards to transparency on their civilian program. It seems unlikely either side is going to want to turn back the clock six months and abandon the progress made.

On the other hand, the distance between the US and Iran positions on how big of a civilian enrichment program Iran can keep is great, so finalizing a permanent settlement is likely to take some time.

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.