John Kerry: Understanding with Iran is Vital for the Region

John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, in a note published by the Boston Globe, defended the Lausanne nuclear agreement, calling it 'vital' for the region, while emphasizing that more work needs to be done. This note was published on Friday, April 3, the day after the Lausanne nuclear agreement, stating that the U.S. consulted periodically with its allies and partners, such as Israel and Gulf countries, during negotiations with Iran and affirmed its commitment to their security. Part of the note states: 'We remain deeply concerned about Iran's actions to destabilize the region. It is because of our concerns about these issues – and also about regional security – that we believe this agreement is vital.' The understanding reached in Lausanne will lead to the lifting of sanctions on Iran while also limiting Iran's nuclear program. However, Israeli officials believe that this agreement jeopardizes their country's survival and that 'the world will be more at risk from now on.' Kerry writes: 'I know some will say the indicators agreed upon are not sufficient, but it is up to them to propose a special and acceptable alternative that could lead to a better outcome.' Previously, President Barack Obama had also addressed critics of the nuclear agreement with Iran, asking whether they think this verifiable agreement is worse than another war in the Middle East. However, U.S. Republicans are opposed to this agreement, with John Boehner, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, calling the understanding reached in Lausanne a 'worrisome deviation' from the original goals of the negotiations. Nonetheless, Kerry in this note has tried to reassure his critics that this agreement, if finalized and implemented, will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The note outlines some components of the Lausanne nuclear agreement, stating that Iran, according to the terms of the agreement, must reduce its enriched uranium stockpile by 98%.