The Iranian government has started to promote the emerging nuclear deal with the P5+1 nations as a victory stemming from American concessions, Ha’aretz reported Sunday.
But a major revelation happened Saturday night when Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian TV the two sides were very close to agreeing on wording.
From Araghchi’s statements, it seems final approval will not happen this week but will be done in three stages. Other officials in Vienna have made similar statements: The current round of talks would end with an “adoption of the agreement” but probably without a formal signing. …
The fact that Araghachi has already provided details stems from President Hassan Rohani’s need get public opinion on his side against objections by conservatives.
Unnamed officials cited by Ha’aretz indicated that this latest round of negotiations will culminate with the “adoption of the agreement” but likely without an actual signing. This would lead to a period where Iran would be required to account for its past nuclear research so that the International Atomic Energy Agency can certify that Iran is in compliance. Since Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has insisted that Iran will not sign any deal that doesn’t result in immediate sanctions relief, the understanding will hinge on certification that Iran complied with its overdue obligation to come clear about its past nuclear work.
In a series of tweets, Thomas Erdbrink, the Tehran correspondent for The New York Times captured how Iran’s regime is portraying the emerging deal.
After days of pessimism Iran state TV now hinting nuclear deal is coming: "The Americans have compromised on their own redlines."
— Thomas Erdbrink (@ThomasErdbrink) July 6, 2015
Iran state TV is the main indicator for the mood of the establishment. Now saying the U.S. has made concessions, retreated at negotiations.
— Thomas Erdbrink (@ThomasErdbrink) July 6, 2015
Iran state TV also arguing that the U.S. made the concessions because "Obama needs a nuclear deal as a victory," presenters explain.
— Thomas Erdbrink (@ThomasErdbrink) July 6, 2015
The administration’s approach to Iran’s uranium enrichment program illustrates the Iranian claim. Prior to the negotiations, the administration’s position was that it would demand “full suspension of uranium enrichment as required by multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions.” Last September it was reported that the administration would cap the number of centrifuges enriching uranium at 1,500. A few weeks later the number of centrifuges the administration agreed to was 4000 and shortly afterwards the number was increased to 6000. 6000 centrifuges would produce enough enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon but would be far short of what is necessary for a civilian nuclear program.
[Photo: CCTV News / YouTube ]