Diplomats familiar with the situation say that the Vienna talks on the Iranian nuclear deal are effectively over, and that the top Iranian negotiator has returned to Tehran for consultations, which are effectively the final decision on making the deal or not.
Iran downplayed the consultations, but EU officials say that over the next few days, the real focus is on political decisions. It was a long time getting here, but a deal is within reach, finally.
Exact terms aren’t clear, but its been said to be close, minus a few specifics. Details resolving concerns from Russia were one of the last issues, and it’s not clear what they did about it.
US officials warn there is little time left to make a deal, while French officials say everyone needs to make a deal while they still can, and that delays could risk the position they found themselves in.
Any number of things can come up and derail the talks, with things like the Ukraine War suddenly becoming an issue just because Russia is involved in the talks. There are high hopes in the US that an Iran deal could ease oil prices, something needed as they surge to medium-term highs.
Everything out of the EU nations suggest they’re satisfied, and assuming nothing prevents Russia sanctions getting in the way, they and China should similarly be comfortable. That leaves the decision to Iran, which stands to benefit most from sanctions relief.
Yeah, yeah.
In Israel, Mike Pence says future GOP administration will rip up any new Iran deal. So if Iran is smart (and it is) it will get completely off the dollar and maintain its national sovereignty. The US can’t ever be trusted, Iranians know that.
Apparently the Times of Israel got it wrong, it isn’t any Iran decision that is needed, rather it is Washington. Tehran Times: “the conclusion of Vienna talks is only dependent on the U.S. making political decisions on some outstanding issues that are part of Iran’s red lines”. . .here. The problem here is that some US sanctions are in law.
Plus now there is the Russian request for a guarantee that US sanctions on Russia won’t interfere with JCPOA guarantees.
“It was a long time getting here, but a deal is within reach, finally.”
The “carrot” is always “within reach”.
But you see, Russia has “demanded guarantees” of the US.
Russia demands!!!! Puleeeese! Never, ever going to happen. No one, much less Russia, much less now, ever “demands” anything from the Empire.
Well, see, Russia thought it was “Umpire”, not “Empire”.
It seems likely the West suddenly decided it needs Iranian oil, and so made the deal it had shied away from for years.
Now of course is the time for Iran to squeeze that moment for all it is worth. They are good at that.
There would have been a better Deal last year. That is yet another thing of which Biden has made a mess.