World powers have reached a deal with Iran, lifting sanctions in return for limiting Iranian nuclear activity.
Negotiations between Iran and the so-called “P6” – the permanent five members of the UN security council plus Germany – began in 2006. The United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Russia and Germany wanted Iran to pare back its enrichment activities, to ensure the nation never acquires nuclear weapons. Iran has always insisted its nuclear programme was for the purpose of energy generation, only.
EU foreign policy head Federica Mogherini described the deal as “a sign of hope for the entire world”.
The deal is believed to involve a compromise over site inspections and a continuing UN arms embargo for the next five years, with missiles remaining embargoed for an additional three years. But American conservatives, and the Israeli government, are dubious about the merits of the deal. Benjamin Netanyhu warned the deal would merely lead to a “cash bonanza” for Iran while doing nothing to prevent the country developing nuclear weapons.