The deal with Iran, and what comes next
The agreement with Iran opens up new possibilities for both the United States and Russia in the Middle East.
![IRAN-NUCLEAR-DEAL/ Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (2nd R) hugs French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius after a ceremony at the United Nations in Geneva November 24, 2013. Iran and six world powers reached a breakthrough agreement early on Sunday to curb Tehran's nuclear programme in exchange for limited sanctions relief, in a first step towards resolving a dangerous decade-old standoff. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (SWITZERLAND - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTX15QNB](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2013/11/RTX15QNB-1.jpg/RTX15QNB-1.jpg?h=930a6ae7&itok=MZLvgwH6)
The “joint plan of action” agreed to by six major powers and Iran in Geneva today is nothing short of a breakthrough, not only as an initial step in dealing with Iran’s nuclear program but also for broader issues of regional security in the Middle East.
The deal itself lays out a plan for the next six months while a comprehensive nuclear pact is negotiated. During these six months, Iran has agreed to unprecedented monitoring of its nuclear facilities, a halt to new centrifuge installation and uranium enrichment over 5% and no further development at Natanz, Fordow and the Arak reactor in return for some sanctions relief.