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Reuters reported:
Iran's Khamenei rules out freezing sensitive nuclear work for long period | Reuters
As the deadline for a nuclear agreement approaches, Iran has advanced two positions that preclude a credible and, perhaps even useful, agreement:
1. It has continued to refuse to allow IAEA inspectors assurances that they would have access to sensitive sites. Such limitations preclude a credible verification regime.
2. It seeks an early end to restrictions on its nuclear activities.
In substance, Iran is seeking sanctions relief, as well as international ratification of a path that would allow it to achieve a nuclear breakout. Unless Iran abandons those demands, I don't believe the P5+1 should accept the kind of substantially impaired agreement that would be on the table.
Finally, Iran still has not resolved all of its outstanding issues with the IAEA. This failure, coupled with the above two demands, further undercuts notions that Iran is seeking only a peaceful nuclear energy program.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday ruled out freezing sensitive nuclear work in the country for a long time and said sanctions imposed on it should be lifted as soon it reaches a final deal with major powers, state TV reported.
The six - Britain, France, Germany, China, Russia and the United States - want Iran to commit to a verifiable halt of at least 10 years on sensitive nuclear development work as part of a landmark atomic deal they aim to reach by June 30.
Iran's Khamenei rules out freezing sensitive nuclear work for long period | Reuters
As the deadline for a nuclear agreement approaches, Iran has advanced two positions that preclude a credible and, perhaps even useful, agreement:
1. It has continued to refuse to allow IAEA inspectors assurances that they would have access to sensitive sites. Such limitations preclude a credible verification regime.
2. It seeks an early end to restrictions on its nuclear activities.
In substance, Iran is seeking sanctions relief, as well as international ratification of a path that would allow it to achieve a nuclear breakout. Unless Iran abandons those demands, I don't believe the P5+1 should accept the kind of substantially impaired agreement that would be on the table.
Finally, Iran still has not resolved all of its outstanding issues with the IAEA. This failure, coupled with the above two demands, further undercuts notions that Iran is seeking only a peaceful nuclear energy program.