Mixed Messages Emerging On JCPoA

Mixed messages are emerging from various negotiating teams working on the Iran nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPoA). Outlets carrying comments from chief EU negotiator Enrique Mora stating that “We are advancing and I expect we will close the negotiations soon.” With talks continuing in Vienna, there are unconfirmed rumours that the EU could attempt to submit a final and updated draft text this afternoon, aiming to round out negotiations.

• However, there are also reports that the Iranian side is talking down the prospect of any agreement being reached in the short-term, with wires carrying comments from an unnamed Ministry of Foreign Affairs official stating that "With talks still ongoing over several important issues, we aren't yet at the point where we can talk about finalisation of the text.", adding that the idea of an agreement on text "within hours" is premature.
• There are still significant disagreements regarding Tehran's uranium enrichment activities, while it is also viewed as politically difficult for the US gov't to agree to re-enter the deal just months out from the November midterm congressional elections.