Iran, the United States and five other nations announced a ground-breaking agreement Tuesday aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
The deal limits the amount of uranium Iran can obtain and enrich for the next eight years for peaceful nuclear energy purposes and creates a schedule of regular inspections.
President Barack Obama said the 18 days of negotiations between the P5+1 nations and Iran in Vienna led to the agreement that successfully deprives Iran of any possible pathway to pursue nuclear weaponry. The countries began trying to reach an agreement 9 years ago under President George Bush in 2006.
Through the terms, Iran agreed to end uranium enrichment at its Fordow facility, not to engage in research that could lead to a nuclear bomb and to allow inspectors 24/7 access to its nuclear facilities in order to monitor its practices.
“This deal is not built on trust. It is built on verification,” Obama said.
The agreement allows for economic sanctions imposed against Iran to be phased out over time, but retains the ability to reinforce them if Iran does not keep up its side of the deal. Iran’s leaders celebrated the deal, while insisting there was never any intention to develop a nuclear bomb.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately criticized the deal, saying it would not protect Israel and the rest of the world from Iran’s intent to become weaponized.
Republican congressional leaders and presidential candidates said they intend to oppose the deal, but President Obama promised to veto any legislation attempting to block it.
Warm up questions
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Where is Iran?
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What do you know about Iran’s reputation as a country?
Critical thinking questions
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What reasons do Israel and U.S. Republicans cite for their concerns about the deal?
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Do you think that the inspection standards put in place by the deal will be enough to ensure Iran does not build a nuclear weapon?
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What does this agreement mean for U.S.-Iran relations going forward?
