Negotiations between the P5+1 and Iran on Tehran’s nuclear program are scheduled to conclude November 24 following a four-month extension. The P5+1 consists of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council—the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France—plus Germany. These six nations came together in 2006 to address Iran’s nuclear program and to work as a unified front to try to resolve with diplomacy the concerns that Iran’s nuclear program is aimed at developing nuclear weapons. Although Iranian President Hassan Rouhani voiced optimism as late as October 13 that the two sides would reach a compromise agreement, few others share his optimism that the very wide gaps between the positions of the two sides can be bridged in the time remaining. Just last weekend, President Barack Obama reiterated his skepticism that a full deal could be achieved later this month.
The ongoing talks are being conducted in the framework of the November 2013 Joint Plan of Action, or JPOA, an interim agreement signed in Geneva, Switzerland. The JPOA froze Iran’s nuclear program and facilitated increased inspections in exchange for some sanctions relief measures for Iran, enabling negotiations on the comprehensive agreement for 6 to 12 months.
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