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Iran Nuclear Plan: Editorial Roundup
The following is a snapshot of editorials from U.S. newspapers and media outlets on the nuclear framework that was announced by the world’s six major powers and Iran on April 2.Supporters The New York Times “A Promising Nuclear Deal with Iran” “The preliminary agreement between Iran and…
Energy Secretary Moniz Briefs on Talks
The following are excerpt remarks from a press briefing at the White House with Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Press Secretary Josh Earnest on April 6. SECRETARY MONIZ: So, first of all, we say that there are four pathways to a bomb in Iran. One is a plutonium pathway through a research…
Erdogan in Iran to Strengthen Ties
On April 7, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Hassan Rouhani, and other Iranian officials in Tehran. The leaders signed eight agreements focused on improving economic cooperation, and downplayed disagreements between Iran and Turkey over the…
Iran Nuclear Plan: Iranian Media Reacts
The following is a sampling of Iranian media coverage of the nuclear framework that was announced by the world's six major powers and Iran on April 2.Shargh The headline reads "Passing Through the June Crisis: A Comprehensive Agreement," in an apparent reference to the June 30 deadline for a final…
Nuclear Experts on Details of Blueprint
The following are excerpted reactions from nuclear experts to the parameters for a comprehensive nuclear deal announced on April 2 by Iran and the world’s six major powers. Anthony H. Cordesman Arleigh A. Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies [T]he…
Obama Backs Nuke Plan in Weekly Address
On April 4, President Barack Obama expressed support for the nuclear framework that was announced by the world’s six major powers and Iran on April 2. “Today we have an historic opportunity to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons in Iran, and to do so peacefully, with the international community…
Iran Nuclear Plan: Iranians Celebrate
In Iran, celebrations broke out in the streets immediately following the announcement of the blueprint for a nuclear deal and continued the following day.Iran's chief nuclear negotiator receives hero's welcome in Tehran http://t.co/WI2EjVX4Ot pic.twitter.com/qmVhZoY0nS— Guardian World (@…
Iran Nuclear Plan: Israel Reacts
The following are excerpted statements by Israeli officials on the nuclear framework that was announced by the world’s six major powers and Iran on April 2. Prime Minister Benjamin NetanyahuPM Netanyahu to Pres Obama: A deal based on this framework would threaten the survival of Israel. #…
Iran Nuclear Plan: Tehran Reacts
The following are excerpted statements by Iranian officials on the nuclear framework that was announced by the world’s six major powers and Iran on April 2. President Hassan RouhaniSolutions on key parameters of Iran #nuclear case reached. Drafting to start immediately, to finish by June 30th. #…
Iran Nuclear Plan: Kerry Statement
The following is an excerpt from Secretary of State John Kerry’s statement on the nuclear talks between Iran and the world’s six major powers. The journey towards a diplomatic solution began years ago. And I can tell you that I’ve personally been involved for about four years, beginning from the…
Iran Nuclear Plan: Congress Reacts
U.S. lawmakers released the following statements on the outcome of nuclear talks between Iran and the world’s six major powers. Republicans House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) “The president says negotiators have cleared the basic threshold needed to continue talks, but the parameters for a…
Iran Nuclear Plan: U.S. Officials React
The following are excerpted statements by U.S. officials on the nuclear framework that was announced by the world’s six major powers and Iran on April 2. Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken Question: Iran has not formally signed it. The foreign minister, Javad Zarif, is already…
Iran Nuclear Plan: Obama Statement
On April 2, President Barack Obama delivered the following statement on the outcome of nuclear talks between Iran and the world’s six major powers. Full video: President Obama delivers a statement on #IranTalks: http://t.co/e94eTqLJNO— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 2, 2015 Good afternoon,…
Iran Nuclear Plan: Zarif, Mogherini Statement
On April 2, E.U. foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif issued a joint statement announcing that Iran and the world's six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States - had reached an understanding on key parameters…
Iran Nuclear Plan: All the Details
The following document was released by the State Department Press Office on April 2, 2015 following nuclear talks between Iran and the world’s six major powers. Parameters for a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Nuclear Program Below are the key…
Iran Nuclear Plan: Detailed Factsheet
On April 2, 2015, the State Department Press Office released a fact sheet detailing the framework for a final nuclear deal between Iran and the world's six major powers. Parameters for a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Nuclear Program Below are…
Nuclear Talks: Congressional Reaction
The following are statements by U.S. lawmakers on the latest round of nuclear talks between Iran and the world’s six major powers that began on March 26 in Lausanne, Switzerland. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) “We appreciate the diligent efforts to find a diplomatic…
Amnesty Report: Iran Death Penalties
In 2014, Iranian authorities announced 289 executions, “but hundreds more were carried out which were not officially acknowledged,” according to a new report by Amnesty International. The organization estimated that at least 454 unannounced executions were carried out in the Islamic Republic. China…
Poll: Iranians See Economy Improving
Iranians believe economic conditions have improved since sanctions were eased under the Joint Plan of Action in November 2013, according to a new Gallup poll. In May 2013, 62 percent of Iranians said sanctions hurt their livelihood "a great deal," but only 45 percent gave the same response in…
Polls: Americans Support Nuke Talks
The following are excerpts from five recent polls, four of which found that more Americans approve of nuclear talks with Iran than disapprove. One poll found that more Americans disapprove than approve of President Barack Obama’s general handling of Iran relations. Two of the surveys were conducted…
Nuke Talks: Diplomacy in Tweets & Pictures
On March 26, a new round of nuclear negotiations began in Lausanne, Switzerland between Iran and the world's six major powers — Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States — with only days remaining before the deadline for a political framework. The following are pictures and…
Congressional Actions on Iran
The following is a roundup of Congressional legislation, letters, and other actions relating to the ongoing negotiations over Iran's controversial nuclear program. Legislation Nuclear Weapon Free Iran Act of 2015 On Jan. 27, 2015, Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced…
Iran on Saudi Airstrikes in Yemen
On March 26, Saudi Arabia began conducting airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen, which drew strong condemnation from Iranian officials. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif demanded an “immediate halt” to Saudi military actions. Iran is widely seen as the main backer of the Houthis, a…
Nuke Talks: Latest from Iran, P5+1
On March 26, a new round of nuclear negotiations began in Lausanne, Switzerland between Iran and the world's six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States. Officials noted that the negotiations were intensifying, with only a few days remaining before the deadline…
U.S. Officials: Iran's Role in Iraq
In March, U.S. officials acknowledged that Iran’s involvement in Iraq could help defeat ISIS, but cautioned that it could also fuel sectarian conflict. Iraqi security forces and Iranian-backed Shiite militias launched an offensive to drive ISIS out of Tikrit in February. Both the United States and…
Khamenei on Nowruz: Nuke Deal Must Lift Sanctions
On March 20, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei released a statement on the occasion of Nowruz, the Persian New Year, encouraging “close cooperation between the people and the administration.” The next day he delivered a speech in Mashhad, criticizing President Obama’s Nowruz message for…
US on Rouhani Mother’s Death
On March 20, Secretary of State John Kerry issued the following statement on the passing of President Hassan Rouhani’s mother. We extend our deepest condolences to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr. Hassan Rouhani and his family on the passing of his mother, Mrs. Sakineh…
Obama, Kerry: Nowruz Greetings to Iranians
President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have issued the following greetings to the Iranian people for Nowruz, Persian Year. Hello! To everyone celebrating Nowruz—across the United States and in countries around the world—Nowruz Mubarak. For thousands of years, this has…
Obama on Americans Missing or Detained in Iran
On March 20, President Barack Obama issued the following statement on U.S. citizens detained or missing in Iran for the occasion of Nowruz, Persian New Year. The spirit of family is deeply woven into all of the rich cultural traditions of the Nowruz holiday. It is a time for reuniting and…
New Congressional Letter to Obama
A new letter to President Obama on a potential Iran nuclear deal signed by some 367 members of Congress was released on March 23. The letter emphasizes, “Should an agreement with Iran be reached, permanent sanctions relief from congressionally-mandated sanctions would require new legislation.” It…