What Matters in the Iran Nuclear Negotiations
William H. Tobey

September 11, 2014

The Center for Global Security Research (CGSR) is sponsoring a talk entitled “What Matters in the Iran Nuclear Negotiations.” Following the lecture there will be a question and answer session. This is open to the Laboratory.

To date, the nuclear negotiations with Iran have focused on limiting activities at declared facilities, e.g. uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz and Qom and a heavy water reactor at Arak. Moreover, the U.S. goal, as characterized by Secretary of State John Kerry, has been to push back Tehran’s “breakout time” from 2 months to a period perhaps of 6-12 months. Focusing on these issues does not bode well for success in the negotiations. In addition to attempting to extend the breakout period, the P5+1 negotiators should insist on limitations that will test Tehran’s willingness to forego a nuclear weapons program altogether in exchange for better relations with economically advanced nations, and deter attempts to cheat on any agreement, using undeclared facilities.

William Tobey was most recently Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation at the National Nuclear Security Administration. There, he managed the U.S. government's largest program to prevent nuclear proliferation and terrorism by detecting, securing, and disposing of dangerous nuclear material. Mr. Tobey also served on the National Security Council Staff in three administrations, in defense policy, arms control, and counter-proliferation positions. He has participated in international negotiations ranging from the START talks with the Soviet Union, to the Six Party Talks with North Korea. He also has extensive experience in investment banking and venture capital.

What Matters in the Iran Nuclear Negotiations

To date, the nuclear negotiations with Iran have focused on limiting activities at declared facilities, e.g. uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz and Qom and a heavy water reactor at Arak.

LLNL-VIDEO-664260