Nuclear deal with Iran is likely

The United States and world powers known as P5+1 including Russia, China, France, United Kingdom, Germany and the European Union are continuing their negotiations for a framework for a comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear program. Final phase of the negotiations for a frame work agreement are still continuing in Switzerland.

In November 2013, Iran and others agreed to a Joint Plan of Action, an interim agreement in which Iran agreed to roll back parts of its nuclear program in exchange for relief from Western sanctions. However, parties were unable to reach consensus and deadlines were extended several times finally setting a date of April 2, 2015 to come up with a frame work for further negotiations. All details are to be negotiated by July 1, 2015.

Israel has been critical of negotiations and could become a hurdle for the United States reaching a deal. Earlier, the Prime Minister of Israel addressed a joint session of the Congress at the invitation of the House Speaker. This contributed to the tensions between the Obama Administration and Israel Prime Minister. Reaching a deal with Iran can benefit Israel but in the absence of a total abandonment of Iran’s nuclear program, Israel may not be happy with any other stop gap measure.