Research Analyst Samuel Hickey wrote an op-ed in The National Interest explaining that not only is a maximum pressure sanctions campaign ineffective at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, it is also ineffective at curbing its conventional weapons programs. “Indirect contacts in Vienna between the United States and the members of the Iran nuclear deal (China, France, Germany, […]
Diplomatic standoff between Tehran and Washington: What has happened?
By Genevieve Hackman In the past month, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) came to two agreements with Iran that create space for diplomatic engagement with the United States. While both Washington and Tehran are in difficult domestic positions, playing to domestic audiences that disapprove of “weak” policy on the other, the determined work of […]
Fact Sheet: The Iran Deal, Then and Now
Updated May 2024 To understand why the Biden administration has charged American diplomats with reviving the Iran nuclear deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), one only need look at what would happen in its absence. Without it, Iran has moved closer to a nuclear weapon and is threatening to reach […]
How Biden can break out of Trump’s sanctions wall and revive the Iran nuclear deal
By Samuel M. Hickey After failing to bend Tehran to its will, the Trump administration tried to undermine any efforts by the next administration to reverse course and revive the Iran nuclear deal. President Joe Biden has shown a willingness to restore the nuclear deal, if Iran returns to compliance, as a first step to […]
Breaking down Iran’s nuclear diplomacy strategy
By Samuel M. Hickey Senior Iranian leaders from President Hassan Rouhani to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have been clear that they would welcome a quick return to the Iran nuclear deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), by the Biden administration. However, Tehran appears to be signaling that there is […]