Şakire FURTUN

29.07.2015

Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, the US has been imposing strict sanctions to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The embargos were broadened in 2004 because of the nuclear program of Iran and its emergence as a nuclear power had been seen as a threat by the US and Israel.[1] On 14 July 2015 in Vienna, following the negotiations that lasted about 20 months, Iran and six world powers (USA, England, France, China, Russia and Germany) reached an agreement namely “Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action”[2].

The content of the agreement concerning Iran is the following; Iran will cut off uranium enrichment levels and the UN’s nuclear watchdog and the International Atomic Energy Agency will check the centrifuges. Moreover, Iran will limit its research and development activities for the next eight years and in return the embargos will be removed.[3]

Some specialists use the word “achievement” to characterize this agreement, whereas others view this as a “mistake”. The President of the US and Iran share a positive approach to the deal. US President Barack Obama indicates that this deal is a barrier to Iran’s nuclear weapons production. According to him this deal blocks Iran’s pathway to a nuclear weapon because they will gain access to Iran’s whole nuclear supply chain.[4] The President of Iran Hassan Rouhani emphasizes that the deal is not perfect but it is necessary and is also good for the Iranian economy. For him, it is an achievement and that Iran will not be perceived as a threat any more in the region.[5] In addition to the above mentioned comments, the EU’s foreign policy Chief Federica Mogherini stated it as a hope for the world that the agreement fundamentally changes international relations.[6]

However, dissenting voices against the agreement have immediately emerged. In the US, the Republicans reacted negatively towards this agreement whereas the Democrats and the Secretary of the State, John Kerry had a more moderate approach. Republican House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio indicates that it is a dangerous deal and they will do everything to stop it. It seems like there will be no resistance by Democrats.[7]

On the other hand, in Iran, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei continues to make anti-American comments and refuses to accept an agreement with the U.S. government. Indeed, this domestic opposition is based on the rivalry between the Moderates and Radicals in Iran. Hassan Rouhani of Moderation and Development Party; takes political issues by comparing the current situation of the country and the previous one. For him, the lifting of the embargos is a solution towards the obstacles on the development of his country. Therefore, his approach is one that is more pragmatic than Khamenei.

The agreement faces criticism also from Saudi Arabia and Israel. Benjamin Netanyahu called the agreement “a bad mistake of historic proportions”. According to the Prime Minister, this deal will not only enable Iran  to obtain nuclear weapons legitimately  but will also allow it to use the advantages of new economic power-with billions of dollars channeled to the country- as a threat toward Israel and others, as well.[8] Indeed, Obama and Netanyahu have opposite views regarding the Iran nuclear agreement. Following President Obama’s statements Netanyahu mentioned that the world is a less safe place because of this accord. Furthermore, according to Netanyahu, Khamenei’s sayings reflect their hostile plans against Israel and others. Also Saudi King Salman, declared some doubts about the nuclear deal’s process on verification and “snap-back” mechanism for charging the sanctions in case of Iran’s violence. Iran is perceived as the main regional adversary by Saudi Arabia.[9]

While several leaders approached this deal adversely, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has approved it by indicating that it is an “important step”. Russia sees it as a progressive program in terms of economy.[10] British Prime Minister David Cameron indicates that this deal prevents Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and helps protect the world. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon mentions that with the agreement, mutual understanding and cooperation on security in the Middle East can be provided.[11] China maintains a close relationship with Iran in terms of economic, trade and energy ties and has endorsed the deal by indicating that it provides the peaceful use of nuclear power.[12] French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius has also approved the deal and has said that it is “sufficiently robust” for today and the next generation.[13]

Under the agreement with Iran, the UN arms embargo will remain in force for five years. Missile sanctions will not be lifted for another eight years. It can be seen that the effectiveness of the deal requires time and time will demonstrate whether the leaders are right or not.