How The Iran Deal Could Be A Game Changer
A historic deal between Iran and world powers reached on July 14 has paved the way for international sanctions against Tehran to be lifted in exchange for limits on its nuclear activities.
While the six powers say the deal will slow Tehran’s ability to acquire a nuclear weapon, the accord could also have other far-reaching ramifications linked to Iran’s possible reintegration into the global community.
From potentially stoking a Middle East arms race, to enabling political reforms in Iran, to undercutting Russia’s energy might by freeing up massive oil and gas supplies, here are some possible implications of the agreement.
Reuters cites diplomats as saying sanctions limiting Iran's ballistic missile program would not be lifted for eight years under the deal, and that a UN weapons embargo would remain in place for five years.
Iran had pressed for the immediate removal of the arms embargo, with support from weapons trade partner Russia, while the United States and other Western countries wanted it in place for a longer period of time.
Another thorny issue in the talks was the pace of the removal of sanctions, and the mechanism for putting them back in place should Tehran violate the agreement.
Reuters reported that Iran had accepted a "snapback" plan that would restore UN sanctions if Iran violates the deal, which it said allows for the restoration of sanctions within 65 days in the event of noncompliance.