An interim nuclear deal was struck between Iran and the P5+1 at Geneva in November last year and it came into effect on January 20. Iran is expected to cut down uranium enrichment in the country. That will stop the most sensitive grade of nuclear development and put the process under unprecedented international surveillance. The US and EU countries have, for their part, lifted some of the sanctions denting Iran’s oil-driven economy. If Iran implements the interim deal, it can export petrochemicals and receive
$ 4.2 billion of its frozen oil assets. But most of the sanctions enforced since 2006 remain for 6 months since the implementation of the deal. Iran has to meet its commitment to save its economy. The deal will end the hostility between Iran and the international community. Non-proliferation will get a boost in West Asia. Friendly ties will be formed between Iran and the US which was not possible for 11 years. The US Congress however wants to slap more sanctions on Iran and Iran’s President, Hassan Rouhani is under pressure from forces which benefited from the sanctions. Israel and Saudi Arabia which are hostile to Iran think that the interim deal opens the way to Tehran to develop nuclear weapons.
Should Iran go back on its commitment, it will have to face tough problems. The sanctions will be reimposed and Iran will again be estranged from the international community. On the other hand, if it now scraps the deal, it can enrich uranium and make the bomb in no time. New Delhi has welcomed the deal and should use its good offices to persuade Tehran to implement it. It will no doubt gain from facilitation of supply of Iranian crude.