Stimson Analysis: The Iran Deal, One Year Later

Experts from the nonpartisan Stimson Center released the following statements reflecting on the one-year anniversary of the Iran nuclear deal. The deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was reached between the P5+1 and Iran in Vienna on July 14, 2015 and marked a significant diplomatic milestone — curbing Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from international sanctions. 

Barry Blechman, Co-Founder, Stimson Center“The Iran nuclear deal stands out as the singular significant achievement of the Obama administration in reducing the spread of nuclear weapons. It is extremely important, as it stopped a potential cascade of new nuclear weapon states in the Middle East. And, so far, it is working. Iran is adhering strictly to the restrictions placed on its nuclear program. Overall, however, the global nuclear picture looks far worse than when President Obama took office and pledged in Prague to seek “the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.” Both Russia and the United States are engaged in huge nuclear modernization programs. In Asia, China, India, Israel, and Pakistan are all adding to their nuclear arsenals. And threats of nuclear war are made more frequently today than at any time since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Give the president an ‘A+’ for the Iran deal, give him an ‘F’ for the rest of his nuclear agenda.” 

Laicie Heeley, Fellow, Budgeting for Foreign Affairs and Defense, Stimson Center: “One year on, Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful. A country that just a few years ago stood on the precipice of a nuclear bomb has followed through on its commitments and remained in compliance with the JCPOA. This is not an insignificant achievement. The U.S. and its international partners deserve credit for a tough negotiation and continued implementation of a hard-fought agreement. But they must not lose sight of this progress. The U.S. and its partners must remain steadfast in their commitment to the JCPOA and work not only to maintain, but to build on this important accomplishment with Iran.” 

Michael Krepon, Co-Founder, Stimson Center“One year after the Iran nuclear deal was finalized, the region and the globe are safer. The cartoon bomb that Prime Minister Netanyahu dramatically showed to the United Nations General Assembly is virtually drained of fissile material. International inspectors are doing their job. There’s a long road ahead, and nothing can be taken for granted. But the sky isn’t falling. Nuclear dangers have been reduced.” 

Contact: Jim Baird; [email protected], (202) 478-3413

Photo Credit: US Mission Geneva via Flickr

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