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Middle East and North Africa

’Imperfect’ Iran Accord Could Exacerbate Mideast Situation

The new agreement between Iran does not resolve the problem and complicates U.S. relations with regional allies, says CFR President Richard N. Haass.

By experts and staff

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  • Richard HaassCFR Expert
    President Emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations
  • Bernard Gwertzman
    Visiting Fellow

The nuclear accord reached with Iran on July 14 puts welcome limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities but does not go far enough to restrain its capabilities, says CFR President Richard N. Haass. “It is essential that people focus just as much on the challenges of the scenario in which Iran complies with the agreement as the scenario in which Iran fails to comply,” Haass says. “I am more worried about the long-term consequences of Iranian compliance than I am about the short-term consequences of Iranian cheating.”

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) lead negotiator Ivan Marquez (C) talks to Colombia’s lead government negotiator Humberto de la Calle (R) as FARC negotiator Pablo Catatumbo listens during a meeting in Havana August 21, 2014.
U.S., UK, and EU representatives talk to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif at the Vienna International Center after reaching a nuclear deal, July 14, 2015. (Photo: Carlos Barria/Reuters)