Understanding the Iran Nuclear Deal | August 4, 2015 ASP event
“Therefore it is a good deal for the world, a good deal for America, a good deal for our allies and our friends, and we believe it richly deserves your support.” – Secretary Kerry
In ASP’s Understanding the Iran Nuclear Deal event, ASP board member Adm. William J. Fallon, USN (Ret.), award winning author Dr. Trita Parsi, Harvard graduate and AL-Monitor writer Laura Rozen were hosted by ASP. The event was moderated by ASP CEO BGen. Stephen A. Cheney, USMC (Ret.). The panel discussed the Iran Nuclear Deal and how this can be one step of many in improving the diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Iran. This Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Nuclear Program has been strongly debated on both sides of the aisles and is currently within the 60 day review phase in Congress, before members can vote to approve or disapprove the deal by mid-September.
Secretaries Kerry, Lew, and Moniz have spent numerous hours in the past two weeks on Capitol Hill trying to build support among lawmakers, including a four-hour hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee headed by Chairman Ed Royce.
What is in the Nuclear Deal?
In the nuclear agreement, Iran has agreed to remove 98 percent of its stockpile of enriched uranium, dismantle two-thirds of its centrifuges, and destroy its existing core of its heavy water plutonium reactor.
Iran has also agreed to refrain from producing or amassing highly enriched uranium and weapons-grade plutonium for nuclear weapons forever.
Opposition to the Nuclear Deal
Dr. Trita Parsi discussed the Israeli and Iranian angle for the Nuclear Deal. Opposition is occurring within the Israeli community as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes Israel’s existence as a sovereign state is in danger, but the panel stressed that this deal will actually do the opposite.
Popular among critics is that Iran will fail to comply with their end of the treaty. Secretary Kerry has stressed, along with the panel, that if Iran fails to follow the terms of the agreement the US Energy Department and the intelligent community will quickly know and they will take the appropriate actions.
According to Dr. Parsi, this deal will allow the United States and it allies to begin establishing a more trustworthy and friendly relationship with Iran.
What Will Happen if the Deal is Rejected by Congress?
The panel stated that if the deal is rejected by Congress then there will not be any inspections, restraints, or sanctions imposed on Iran, thus allowing for enrichment to occur again. This route will allow Iran to double the pace of uranium enrichment, build a heavy water reactor, and construct more centrifuges.
Overall, the ASP event was very informative as the panel discussed in depth the Iran deal and the diplomatic relations that could result if it is fully implemented.
Below there is the full video of ASP’s August 4,2015 event Understanding the Iran Nuclear Deal.
