A Window onto Iran | Tara Sonenshine

A Window onto Iran

By Tara Sonenshine
April 3, 2015 | The Hill

Many months of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program have given the U.S. and the West an unprecedented window onto Iranian thinking and policy. Regardless of where one stands on the merits of the diplomatic outcome, diplomacy usually leads to better policymaking. It is far wiser to understand other countries — particularly longstanding adversaries — than misread them or have them misread you.

The framework agreement announced yesterday between the P5+1 nations (the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, plus Germany) and Iran represents historic progress toward the goal of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. While much work remains to be done to achieve an effective and verifiable comprehensive agreement, the framework agreement demonstrates that the Obama administration and international partners have taken a responsible approach to the negotiations and have resisted signing any deal that would not ensure the peaceful and civilian nature of Iran’s nuclear program.

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E.U. High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif address reporters following negotiations between the P5+1 member nations and Iranian officials about the future of their country’s nuclear program. [State Department, 4/2/15]