Latest Update on Talks

As reported by Reuters (and NYT) today: P6+1 met Sunday & Monday.  At issue is the breakout capacity...how long it should take Iran to be able to build a nuclear weapon: "We have always said we will have a one-year breakout time for a double digit number of years and that remains the case," the senior U.S. official said on Monday."  The talks included technical experts, but included Kerry & Zarif.  The sides agreed to resume talks Monday, March 2nd. 

Meanwhile, China Chimes In

"'Talks on the Iran nuclear issue face a historic opportunity, and striking a comprehensive deal on schedule is the trend of the times and the desire of the people,' Wang told his Iranian counterpart, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement issued on Monday."

Khamenei Letter to Obama?

So, as the Wall Street Journal initially reported on Feb. 13th, did Iran's Supreme leader the President a letter, or not (or not)?    Per the WSJ: "Neither the White House nor the Iranian government has officially confirmed any correspondence between the two. Iranian officials, in recent months, though, have told Tehran’s state media that some of Mr. Obama’s letters were answered, without specifying by whom."  Per Iran, "This claim by the American newspaper, Wall Street Journal, is an unprofessional media game,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said in a statement on Sunday."

Talks Breaking Down?

Times of Israel reports the P5+1 is now down to one: the United States is the only team left negotiating with Iran.  Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker: “It’s really more of a bilateral negotiation between the United States and Iran.”  The WSJ thinks the talks are at an impasse . . .

No More Deadline Extensions

WSJ reports--Obama: that there'll be no further deadlines, Zarif agrees . . . President confirms tensions with Israel over prospective deal.  "Minutes after Mr. Obama’s remarks, Mr. Netanyahu dismissed objections to his U.S. visit and said he was determined to take his case to Congress. “A bad agreement is being formulated in Munich that will endanger the existence of Israel,” Mr. Netanyahu said at a campaign event."  Netanyahu will take his case to Congress.  The sides agreed after last November's extension to conclude a framework deal by March & final details by June 30th.  Read on for the Iran question & answer at the joint Obama/Merkel Press Conference.

Iran Pushing for Progress in Talks as Deadline Nears

The NY Times reported there is recognition that "with a Republican-led Congress in Washington, an extension of the talks is virtually a political impossibility for the United States. And Secretary of State John Kerry, who met twice here with Mr. Zarif, including 90 minutes early Sunday morning, has been making an intensive effort to negotiate an accord."  There's also an affiliated timeline of the talks.  Meanwhile, the LA Times report on Iranian leader Khamenei's support for a deal.

Iran Wonders Who's in Charge? Obama (and Clinton) Step up to Answer

Interesting article by Reuters (Parsi) give one context to American politics.  When it comes to more sanctions with Iran, "Obama has succeeded in changing the underlying politics of the matter. The debate over Iran sanctions is no longer about Iran, but about war with Iran.