The Iranian Trend And Geneva Nuclear Talks
Al-Monitor’s coverage of Iran as negotiations commence this week in Geneva with expectations of progress on the nuclear file, and implications for Syria and the region.
As the latest negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program with the P5+1 start in Geneva on Tuesday, it is worth recalling the collective wisdom of the US intelligence community about Tehran’s nuclear calculations, per the testimony of James Clapper, US Director of National Intelligence, before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on March 12, 2013:
“We assess Iran is developing nuclear capabilities to enhance its security, prestige, and regional influence and give it the ability to develop nuclear weapons, should a decision be made to do so. We do not know if Iran will eventually decide to build nuclear weapons.”
This was the assessment before the election of Hassan Rouhani as president of Iran, and should be kept in mind by pundits claiming knowledge of what Iran “really” plans to do with its nuclear program.
Since Rouhani took office on Aug. 4, all signs are that Iran is approaching the nuclear talks with a newfound urgency, which will rightfully be tested in Geneva, where Laura Rozen will cover the meetings for Al-Monitor’s Backchannel.
