The nuclear framework deal announced on April 2 between Iran and the P5+1 may not improve the geopolitical landscape or strengthen relations between Washington and Tehran, according to Institute Managing Director and Lane-Swig Senior Fellow Michael Singh.
In this video, Singh notes that the agreement presents impediments to Iran’s ability to create a weapon but does not completely eliminate its nuclear program. President Obama must now reassure U.S. allies in Israel and the Gulf Cooperative Council that Washington will hold Iran accountable for fulfilling its commitments, particularly when the elimination of sanctions may provide the Islamic Republic with additional resources to support its “destabilizing activities” in the region. The president must also repair the bipartisan consensus that has been frayed during the negotiating process, Singh says.
Noting that the framework is not a final deal, Singh highlights the many questions that remain to be answered, such as how Iran will dispose of centrifuges and enriched uranium that would be eliminated under the agreement.
Rigorous inspections will be required to ensure Iranian compliance, the former White House policymaker says. And, he adds, “that is tough territory,” citing Iranian refusal to provide access to its nuclear facilities in the past.
