Iran nuclear deal: A quick guide to what's missing (+video)
Washington There are lots of specifics for US officials to like in the new Iranian nuclear framework. Irans negotiators agreed to give up about two-thirds of their working centrifuges, for example. Thats a big reduction in machinery which could (potentially) produce uranium enriched to weapons-grade levels. Furthermore, Iran agreed that all remaining working centrifuges would be first-generation IR-1s, which in technological terms are obsolete the Ford Pintos of gaseous diffusion.
Irans promised to not enrich any uranium above a low 3.67 percent level for at least 15 years. It says it will shrink its current stockpile of enriched fissile material from about 10,000 kilograms to 300 kg. And so on.
But remember, this is a framework. Its an outline, a first draft, a plan of action for decisions which have yet to be made. There are a number of very important aspects of Irans program which arent addressed, but would almost certainly have to be part of a signed-and-sealed deal. Here are a few:
What happens to uranium?Yes, Iran says it will reduce its stockpile of low-enriched uranium. But the framework is silent on how that will happen. US negotiators have long pushed for Iran to export much of its fissile material to a third party, probably Russia. Earlier this week Irans deputy foreign minister said that wont happen, though. Will the uranium be downblended, or mixed with non-enriched stuff to make it harmless? Will the US and other great powers accept that? Stay tuned.
When will sanctions be lifted?In return for denaturing its nuclear activities, Iran would receive relief from international sanctions that have crippled its domestic economy. Its not clear from the US-supplied agreement details exactly when that would happen, though.
The wording is vague. It says only that sanctions will be taken off after the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) has verified that Iran has taken all required nuclear steps. Secretary of State John Kerry, in his press conference after the deal, insisted this relief would occur in phases. That implies it would occur gradually over a perhaps-lengthy period of time.
Thats not the way Iranian officials are describing their prospective sanctions relief. In his public statements since the deal was announced, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has implied that the restrictions would be lifted earlier than Secretary Kerrys announced timetable. Mr. Zarif has reacted angrily to the notion that this relief would be gradual, as well as to the US publication of purported agreement points.
There is no need to spin using fact sheets so early on, Zarif tweeted on Thursday.
Will Iran discuss its old nuclear activities?International verification of Irans compliance with any nuclear deal remains an area where it seems as if the parties havent reached complete specific agreement.
There were some important Iranian concessions in this area, according to the US version of events. The State Departments summary said that IAEA inspectors will have access to Iranian uranium mines, as well as to the supply chain that supports Irans nuclear program. That would greatly expand IAEA access something the UN-sponsored agency has long pushed for.
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Iran nuclear deal: A quick guide to what's missing (+video)