If you’re a bit overwhelmed by the details of the new agreement between Iran and the P5 +1, you aren’t alone. Here’s a concise 10 point summary, slightly adapted for clarity. Or you can just read the 10 main points – mindful that prayer changes things and God is good all the time!
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTRY
Iran’s nuclear program – Key implications (adapted) of main points
Released November 25, 2013
1. Recognizing the Validity of Iran’s Enrichment Program:
Under the Geneva agreement Iran will retain its vast enrichment capabilities during both the “first step,” in which the parties undertake specific respective measures, and the “final step” aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement of the nuclear issue. This essentially means that for the first time since the beginning of negotiations in 2003 the international community recognizes Iran’s enrichment program and agrees that it will not be rolled back – contrary to its longstanding policy.
2. International Acceptance of Heavy Water Reactor in Arak:
The heavy water reactor is not needed for any domestic, peaceful purpose. The Geneva agreement lacks any commitment to dismantle the Arak heavy water reactor. The agreement only addresses the need to resolve concerns about the reactor, implying that Iran will not be required to forfeit the facility which is uniquely suitable for the production of military grade plutonium. It could later be re-activated.
3. Unrestrained research & development of advanced centrifuges:
The Geneva allows Iran to continue R&D of advanced centrifuges. This means Iran may further develop and strengthen its enrichment capacity and will be in a better position technologically when it decides to expand enrichment. The agreement enables Iran to move much closer to breakout capability.
4. Current stock of uranium enriched to a level of under 5% remains intact:
Iran can preserve its current stock of about 7 tons of uranium enriched to a level of under 5%. Given Iran’s record of dragging its feet to buy time, it can easily accumulate material long after the “first step” is implemented.
5. Iran will be able to easily reverse the measures taken under this agreement and charge ahead when politically convenient:
Iran is not required to roll back or dismantle anything. Its nuclear infrastructure will remain intact, enabling it to resume full operations when it decides it is politically convenient to do so.
6. No accounting is required of military/weaponry aspects of Iran’s nuclear program:
The Geneva agreement does not explicitly or clearly require Iran to provide any answers, access or information in relation to the military dimensions of its nuclear program. The very heart of the nuclear crisis lies with those issues implying that Iran has engaged in nuclear weapons development. Yet they are completely absent from the agreement that envisions restoring confidence in the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program as one of its major goals.
7. The agreement undermines past international sanctions:
The Geneva concessions undermine the sanctions that were in place against Iran and curb momentum for additional pressure on the regime. Pressure is what brought Iran to the negotiations in the first place. Reducing sanctions without requiring Iran to make any meaningful concession is counterproductive.
8. It may now become legitimate to do business with Iran:
Private enterprise may interpret the agreement as a signal that Iran has embarked on a path that will bring it back from international isolation. This could result in renewed efforts to resume or develop business in Iran.
9. The interim agreement could well become permanent:
Lacking a sense of urgency under the new agreement, the interim measure might become permanent and define the parameters of Iran’s nuclear program for years to come. Given the observations noted above, this means Iran will practically be escorted to a nuclear threshold position by the international community.
10. My comment:
In the past two days, some of the above concerns already appear to be playing out as predicted by Israel. Moreover, Israel cannot risk a preemptive strike on Iran during the interim agreement. So, Iranian leaders boast of their success while America’s allies in the region (Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt) express feelings of betrayal. But God says, “I have created the destroyer to work havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail.” Isaiah 54:16-17. Since God “created the destroyer to work havoc” God is certainly in control. He is good all the time and His eternal purposes cannot be thwarted.