TEHRAN(Bazaar) – Professor Frank N. von Hippel, former assistant director for national security in the White House Office of Science and Technology, says the best way for solving the Iran’s nuclear issue is a quick return to the full deal – although there may still be a debate about which US sanctions are covered, since not all the Trump sanctions were explicitly tied to Iran’s nuclear program.
Following is the text of the Bazaar interview with Professor Frank N. von Hippel.
Bazaar: Axios has stated that the United States is seeking an interim agreement with Iran in order to gain the necessary time to negotiate a better agreement. What is your assessment of the solution?
Frank N. von Hippel: I have heard about proposals for step-by-step return to compliance for compliance. I worry, however, that idea could turn into a quagmire as the two sides debate about what for what. Much better would be a quick return to the full deal – although there may still be a debate about which US sanctions are covered, since not all the Trump sanctions were explicitly tied to Iran’s nuclear program.
Bazaar: Three American and Israeli sources told Axios that US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, in a meeting with his Israeli counterpart, came up with the idea of reaching an interim agreement with Iran to allow time for nuclear talks. Why is this idea put forward by a European country currently being considered by the United States?
Frank N. von Hippel: I don’t think that there is a problem considering suggestions from any constructive source. I do worry about consulting with Israel, however, because the Israeli government has not supported the JCPOA.
Bazaar: According to US sources, such an idea means that in the face of a halt to 60 percent enrichment in Iran, the United States and its allies would release some of Iran's blocked funds to provide sanctions exemptions for humanitarian goods. Given that nuclear progress is Iran's bargaining chip to lift all sanctions, will Iran accept the offer?
Frank N. von Hippel: As I said above, my preference would be to go to full compliance for compliance in one step. However, I believe that Iran’s production of 60% enriched uranium, which is weapon usable if not weapon-grade, is particularly dangerous and, if there were an agreement to end that production and hopefully blend that highly enriched uranium down as a first step, I would support it.
Bazaar: This is still an immature idea, and the Biden administration continues to insist that the 2015 nuclear deal be fully revived, but given the plan to resume nuclear talks on November 29, the proposal would at least provide an opportunity for U.S. government work on it. What is the benefit of this interim agreement for the United States and will it satisfy its allies as well?
Frank N. von Hippel: I support any path forward but I think that the goal should be a return to full compliance for full compliance as quickly as possible. I really worry that we could end up in a war that would be catastrophic for both our countries.
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