With the deadline for the P5+1 nuclear negotiations with Iran looming – and not likely to be met – the co-authors of the sanctions laws that brought Iran to the negotiating table released a joint statement reinforcing their intentions.
“We believe that a good deal will dismantle, not just stall, Iran’s illicit nuclear program and prevent Iran from ever becoming a threshold nuclear weapons state,” U.S. Sens. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) said. “This will require stringent limits on nuclear-related research, development and procurement, coming clean on all possible military dimensions (PMD) issues and a robust inspection and verification regime for decades to prevent Iran from breaking out or covertly sneaking out.
“Gradual sanctions relaxation would only occur if Iran strictly complied with all parts of the agreement. If a potential deal does not achieve these goals, we will work with our colleagues in Congress to act decisively, as we have in the past.”
Reuters reports that a Nov. 24 deadline to reach a final deal to lift international sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program are unlikely to be met, according to Western and Iranian officials. Rather, the news outlet reports, the sides would likely make an interim agreement.