After 6 months of intense negotiation, Iran and the so-called P5+1 have agreed on a 4 month extension of the interim period, effectively extending the talks aiming at an agreement on the future of Iran’s nuclear program. There has been considerable progress on a number of issues, yet difficult issues remain unresolved, not least related to Iran’s expressed ambition to continue developing a sizeable civilian nuclear energy capacity.
The talks unfold in a rapidly changing political climate, with turmoil in Iraq, renewed war in Gaza, regime change in Egypt, domestic dissonance in Turkey, and international withdrawal from Afghanistan. In a number of situations, the two long-standing adversaries – Iran and the United States – now find themselves in a position of common interests. A resolution in the nuclear stand-off would open new political opportunities in some of the currently most difficult conflicts in the world.
What concretely has been achieved through the Vienna talks? What are the main outstanding issues? Why were the talks extended? What impact will upcoming political events have on the possibility for a deal?
Professor Nasser Hadia n, an astute observer of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s international relationships, and an expert on the nuclear issue, will help us address these questions. Hadian is a professor of political science at the University of Tehran. He has published widely on the contemporary politics and foreign policy of Iran, the nuclear issue, and political Islam, and is frequently used as a commentator by main international media channels and think tanks. He is just in the process of completing a new book on the conflict over Iran’s nuclear program.
Sverre Lodgaard, Senior Resarch Fellow at NUPI will act as discussant. PRIO Director Kristian Berg Harpviken will chair the event.
