Fitzpatrick, Mark

Abstract
One thing that is clear about the interim nuclear deal with Iran, reached on 24 November in Geneva, is that much of the world supports it. Nearly 70 nations have expressed that support formally. Nations liked that it capped Iran’s programme, averted prospects for war, and showed light at the end of the sanctions tunnel. When members of the US Congress talk about legislating what a final deal with Iran must achieve, they ought to consider that the other parties to the negotiation also have a vote. The exuberance about the interim deal in some quarters is exaggerated. Turkey’s economy minister told reporters that all Turkish banks could now do business with Iran.1 ‘Not so fast,’ warned Washington. A very limited basket of sanctions are suspended under the deal, but other existing sanctions continue to be vigorously enforced. On 12 December, the US Department of the Treasury designated four companies and one person as violators of US oil sanctions on Iran and identified another 12 companies and people as fronts aiding Iran’s nuclear programme.2 ‘Iran is still off limits’ for most oil and banking transactions, David S. Cohen, treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said at a Senate hearing.
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