Sherman urges Iran to seize opportunity for nuclear deal
US Undersecretary of State Wendy Sherman urged diplomats to tell Iran to seize opportunity for a nuclear deal ahead of resumed negotiations in New York.
![U.S. Under Secretary of State Sherman arrives before start of two days of closed-door nuclear talks at United Nations offices in Geneva U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman arrives before the start of two days of closed-door nuclear talks at the United Nations offices in Geneva November 7, 2013. An agreement that would open the door to a resolution of the decade-long nuclear standoff between Iran and six world powers is possible this week if negotiators exert the maximum efforts, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Thursday. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse (SWITZERLAND - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY) - RTX153O](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2014/09/zzshermantimbiecropped.jpg/zzshermantimbiecropped.jpg?h=9033940f&itok=6oW5YG2p)
WASHINGTON — When Undersecretary of State Wendy Sherman addressed a roomful of 200 foreign ambassadors to the United States last week, she implored them to tell their capitals to pass two crucial messages to the Iranians: the importance of seizing what may be the last opportunity to reach a nuclear deal, and that no agreement will be possible without Iran reducing the scope of its nuclear enrichment program.
“Ambassador Sherman’s remarks on Iran were focused on the importance of seizing this opportunity to resolve international concerns about Iran's nuclear program, and the fact that no agreement — and no relief from sanctions — will be possible unless Iran agrees to reduce — significantly and verifiably — the size of its uranium enrichment activities,” a senior US administration official familiar with Sherman’s briefing told Al-Monitor.