A new 60-day negotiation window is opening between the US and Iran concerning Tehran's nuclear program. The interim agreement is expected to be officially signed in Switzerland on Friday.
Within the framework of the agreement, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to global oil shipments and phased economic incentives linked to Iran's compliance steps are planned. The parties intend to conduct intensive talks on the future of Iran's nuclear program during this period.
Cautious Optimism in Washington, Skepticism in Congress
US President Donald Trump stated that the initiative was launched to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump emphasized that he views Tehran's nuclear ambitions as a fundamental threat to regional stability.
However, many senators, analysts, and regional allies argue that reaching a comprehensive agreement in such a short time is difficult. Criticisms focus especially on the complexity of technical details and the tight schedule.
It is recalled that the Comprehensive Joint Plan of Action signed in 2015 was completed over more than 18 months through multilateral and intensive diplomacy. In the new process, a similar outcome is expected to be reached in a much shorter time.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed doubts about whether Iran will completely stop uranium enrichment. Graham said the question of what a good deal would look like remains open.
David Schenker from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy also highlighted the technical aspects of the process. Schenker noted that nuclear diplomacy requires experts who master the details and long-term coordination.
Step-by-Step Relaxation, Progress in Exchange for Sanctions
The US side argues that the gradual approach was chosen to create leverage. US Vice President JD Vance said Iran would receive sanctions relief and other incentives only if it takes verifiable steps.
Vance said, "We look at what people do. The structure of this agreement is: the more steps they take, the more they gain." The US administration remains cautious about the assurances given by Iran.
Iran continues to claim that its nuclear program is peaceful. However, it remains unclear whether the agreement will be limited only to technical issues such as uranium enrichment, centrifuge development, and heavy water production.
The agreement enacted during former President Barack Obama's administration imposed restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for billions of dollars in sanctions relief. However, Donald Trump withdrew from this agreement in 2018, calling it "the worst deal ever negotiated."
Calls for Oversight Rise in Congress
The new process is also being closely monitored in the US Congress. Republican Senator Ted Cruz argued that the final decision should be made by Congress, while Senator John Kennedy expressed deep skepticism about Iran's commitment to its obligations.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine noted that previous diplomatic frameworks could provide a technical foundation. Nevertheless, Kaine pointed out that the current timeline is short and the current team has limited experience.
Experienced diplomats and technical experts were involved in previous talks, with intensive multilateral coordination centered in Vienna. Critics believe the current team lacks similar depth, which could make resolving critical issues on time difficult.
Another key question is whether the agreement will be limited only to the nuclear file or will also cover Iran's ballistic missile program, support for regional proxy forces, and internal political pressure mechanisms. These issues are of particular importance to allies in Europe and the Middle East.
Brian Katulis from the Middle East Institute emphasized the difficulty of reaching a full-scale compromise. Katulis said the agreement is primarily an effort to stabilize the current situation rather than escalate a new conflict.
Before the expected signing in Switzerland, attention has turned to whether the 60-day diplomatic timeline will be sufficient to overcome mutual distrust between the parties. The outcome will show whether the interim framework can evolve into a permanent nuclear agreement.
