Keep talking on nuclear deal

Editorial2

Iran and major world powers should continue negotiations to avert possible war.

On April 2, six major powers and Iran negotiated the broad framework of a deal on Iran’s nuclear program two days past their March 31 deadline.

The negotiations are aimed at blocking Iran’s capacity to build a nuclear bomb in exchange for lifting sanctions.

After days of marathon nuclear talks with mixed results, Iran and six world powers should continue talks in a new phase aimed at reaching a final agreement to control Iran’s nuclear ambitions by the end of June.

Iran said it wants to enrich only for energy, science, industry and medicine. But many countries fear Iran could use the technology to make weapons-grade uranium.

Officials had set a deadline of March 31 for a framework agreement, and later softened that wording to a framework understanding between Iran and the so-called P5+1 nations — the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China.

Yet after intense negotiations, many obstacles remain.

The talks have already been extended twice as part of more than a decade of diplomatic attempts to halt Iran’s nuclear advance.

Although significant progress was made last week, President Barack Obama will still likely face new pressure from Republicans and some Democrats in Congress who want to move forward with new Iran sanctions legislation. Lawmakers had agreed to hold off on such a measure through March while the parties negotiated.

Obama has warned passing new sanctions during the talks could upend the sensitive discussions.

The Obama administration said any deal will stretch the time Iran needs to make a nuclear weapon from the present two to three months to at least a year. But critics object it would keep Iran’s nuclear technology intact.

Despite sometimes questionable negotiations a new poll said the vast majority of Americans support an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program, though most also question whether it will prevent the Iranians from getting a nuclear weapon.

An ABC News/Washington Post poll said, by 59-31 percent margin, Americans support an agreement in which the U.S. and allies reduce sanctions on Iran if it gives up the means to make nuclear weapons.

With the stakes being so high, Congress would be irresponsible to pass new sanctions while there is a chance to avoid a military conflict and arms race in the Middle East.

https://www.phillytrib.com/commentary/keep-talking-on-nuclear-deal/article_6c0ec73e-8a32-53b9-898b-835644c02f9f.html

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