GENEVA — Secretary of State John Kerry and leaders from five other world powers early Sunday reached a nuclear deal with Iran, following intense negotiations that took place over several days in Geneva.
The deal represents a historic breakthrough in the world’s decade-long nuclear standoff with Iran, and in the 35-year-long diplomatic freeze between Iran and the United States.
Agreement in Geneva: first step makes world safer. More work now. -JK #IranTalks
— Department of State (@StateDept) November 24, 2013The deal was struck with astonishing speed given the history of failed negotiations, coming in just the third round of talks over less than two months. The breakthrough also comes less than three months after Iran’s new President Hassan Rouhani promised, in an interview with NBC News, to dramatically alter Iran’s relationship with the world.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said the agreement was an important step toward reaching a long-term comprehensive solution. She added that the deal shows participants’ “mutual respect and determination to find a way forward which is beneficial to all.”
At a news conference, Kerry said the agreement could not have been reached without the Iranians’ decision to come to the negotiating table. He said the next phase of negotiations — while even more difficult — will also be more consequential, and he added: “If this first step leads to what is our ultimate goal – which is a comprehensive agreement – that will make the world safer.”
We have reached an agreement.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) November 24, 2013
Ann Curry