Implementation of the Iran Nuclear Deal

In testimony before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs regarding a nuclear agreement with Iran, Olli Heineman summarized his views as follows:

The current agreement between the P5+1 and Iran is a small first step that tests the ground for the possibility of a comprehensive deal. In this sense, this agreement is important, insofar as it forms part of the route to what can constitute as a consequential final accord. This is not going to be easy as the most difficult parts lie ahead: agreement on the scope of uranium enrichment and heavy water program, and Iran’s seriousness in addressing questions and concerns related to its nuclear program’s military dimension, which go well beyond access to one particular building at Parchin.

Since this agreement serves an interim stage, it should not be either an end in itself or be sustained indefinitely beyond the allotted time period of up to a year without an end game in sight. Further extensions may also run the risk of proliferation consequences in the region, when states see Iran not only maintaining its current nuclear break-out capabilities, but slowly advancing them, in particular, in areas, which remain inaccessible to the IAEA during the interim phase.

Watch: "Joint Subcommittee Hearing: Implementation of the Iran Nuclear Deal"