How new deal may differ from Obama-era nuclear accord

AS Washington and Tehran explore the contours of a possible new nuclear agreement following recent military strikes and a ceasefire, the emerging framework appears markedly different from the deal negotiated by former president Barack Obama in 2015. Yet experts who helped craft the original agreement argue that diplomacy remains indispensable, regardless of military developments, and caution that any lasting settlement will ultimately depend on verification, inspections and mutual compromise. According to an analysis by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), the expected agreement is likely to begin with a memorandum of understanding extending the ceasefire between the two countries for at least 60 days and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while leaving the most contentious issue — Iran’s nuclear programme — for follow-on negotiations. “Even if they do and an MoU is announced, negotiations on the outstanding issues, especially on Iran’s nuclear programme, will be long and difficult,” Steven Cook, senior fellow for Middle East studies at CFR, cautioned. President Donald Trump said this week that Washington and Tehran were nearing an agreement to end a conflict that has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and shaken global energy markets. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by saying the two sides had “never been closer” to an understanding. But unlike the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which specified detailed nuclear restrictions before sanctions relief was granted, the proposed agreement appears to defer the most difficult technical issues. According to CFR, both sides would continue negotiating “the enrichment programme’s suspension and stockpile removal” during the next phase of talks. Iran would reportedly commit never to pursue a nuclear weapon, while discussions on dismantling nuclear facilities and handling enriched uranium stockpiles would continue. “The details matter here,” CFR senior fellow Elisa Ewers obse