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What a Nuclear Deal with Iran Could Look Like

(Washington Post) Michael Singh - The efficacy and durability of a deal over limited enrichment would rest on Iranian transparency. To be meaningful, transparency measures would have to include allowing inspectors unfettered access to sites of their choosing, not just those declared by Iranian officials, and a comprehensive accounting of Iran's past and present nuclear work, including the military elements of its nuclear program, such as weaponization research. Iranian officials continue to dismiss as "unfounded allegations" evidence deemed "credible" by the International Atomic Energy Agency that Iran has engaged in nuclear work related to weapons. Iran continues to deny inspectors access to suspected nuclear sites and key personnel. The unlikelihood of a change of heart by Iranian leaders suggests a more straightforward path to an agreement: requiring Iran to dismantle its nuclear program in exchange for any relief from sanctions, which would be increased should Tehran refuse to yield. The West is offering Iran something it desperately needs - sanctions relief - in exchange for something it has little ostensible use for - uranium enrichment and reprocessing - given its disavowal of nuclear weapons. That's hardly a maximalist position. The writer is managing director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
2013-10-21 00:00:00
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