Nuclear Talks With Iran – What Are The Implications Of The 2 April 2015 Preliminary Deal?

On 2 April 2015, Iran and the E3/EU+3 group of negotiators (China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States) agreed on a list of 'parameters for a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Nuclear Program.' Although the outcome of 2 April is an ‘agreement for an agreement’ and the technicalities for its implementation are still to be negotiated, it is considered a historic benchmark in a twelve-year series of negotiations.

Nevertheless, differences are emerging on interpretation, in particular on another set of sanctions, imposed by the UN: Russia and Iran insist that they are lifted at the same time as other sanctions, while EU and US negotiators prefer to wait until the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is fully implemented.

An Iran freed from international sanctions also evokes contrasting reactions: on the one hand it could favour regional and international trade but on the other hand it could also represent a greater threat for its neighbours.

This selection of analyses looks at the main issues.

Written by Eric Pichon.

ESO: Background information: Joint Statement by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, Lausanne, Switzerland, 2 April 2015 http://www.europeansources.info/record/joint-statement-by-eu-high-representative-federica-mogherini-and-iranian-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-lausanne-switzerland-2-april-2015/

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