The JCPOA

Read the INSS Strategic Analysis for 2023

While the nuclear talks in Vienna have reached a stalemate and the chances of reaching an agreement appear to dwindle, Iran continues to accelerate its nuclear program. According to one report, within one month it would be able to enrich enough uranium to weapons-grade level that would be sufficient for three bombs. In this complex situation, Israel must – and in full cooperation with the United States – immediately formulate a new strategy vis-à-vis Iran

The talks in Vienna between the United States and Iran ended with the text of the agreement almost complete. Conclusion of the deal rests on political decisions in Washington and Tehran, mostly concerning the Iranian demand to remove the Revolutionary Guards from the State Department’s list of terror organizations. At this stage the chances of finalizing the deal are equal to the chances of the talks collapsing. How should Israel act at this sensitive time?

Russia and China are participating in the nuclear talks in Vienna. The deliberations are complex and challenging, particularly since the interests and worldviews of Moscow and Beijing diverge significantly from those of the United States and the European parties. What are Russia and China trying to achieve from the talks – and are they even eager for the negotiations to succeed?