Iran’s French Resistance
France has been widely blamed for blocking a compromise at the latest round of nuclear talks with Iran, with some even attributing French intransigence to Israeli influence. But France took a firm stance for other reasons – not least the need for airtight guarantees that Iran will dismantle its military nuclear program.
PARIS – At the start of the latest round of nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, plus Germany), many believed that an interim agreement – which would freeze Iran’s nuclear program while a longer-term deal was negotiated – was within reach. Indeed, hopes had been rising since the election of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, a reputed moderate who seemed ready to bring a new level of openness and flexibility to negotiations. But, far from producing a breakthrough, the talks yielded only a promise to hold further discussions.
PARIS – At the start of the latest round of nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, plus Germany), many believed that an interim agreement – which would freeze Iran’s nuclear program while a longer-term deal was negotiated – was within reach. Indeed, hopes had been rising since the election of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, a reputed moderate who seemed ready to bring a new level of openness and flexibility to negotiations. But, far from producing a breakthrough, the talks yielded only a promise to hold further discussions.