Six world power players including the United States made an interim agreement with Iran in late November 2013 after a three-day meeting with Iranian negotiators in Geneva. Other members include Germany, Russia, United Kingdom, France and China. The six-month interim deal will require Iran to limit its activities related to its nuclear actions in return for “limited temporary, targeted and reversible relief” including easing of sanctions worth over seven billion dollars. Iran will stop enriching uranium above five percent and dismantle technical capabilities to enrich uranium over five percent. Also, it will neutralize its stock of enriched uranium over 20 percent. World leaders are indicating that if Iran violates any of the conditions, sanctions will be reinstated immediately. Weapons-grade uranium will require over 90 percent enrichment. Further discussions are expected to resume in the coming New Year.
Even though Western countries did not believe, Iran always claimed that its nuclear ambitions are for peaceful purposes such as generating electrical power only.
Israel immediately criticized the deal calling it “a historic mistake” and vowed not to be bound by the agreement. They argue that the proposed agreement leaves Iran’s nuclear facilities untouched and they like see them destroyed.