On Iran nuclear deal, France says “not so fast”
As Iran appeared to be closer than ever to reaching agreement with Western powers over its nuclear program, a surprising party emerged to block a stopgap deal: the French. ● Analysts attributed France’s move, which exposed divisions between the United States and other Western powers in the negotiations, on “a tough stand against the spread of nuclear weapons, skepticism about Tehran’s trustworthiness,” and a tradition of speaking out on the world stage, Canada’s National Post reports. According to the Guardian, Iranian state press reported that some Iranian businessmen were considering reducing trade ties with France, citing “adventurist and immature behavior” at Geneva talks for their loss of faith in a once-esteemed business partner. Secretary of State John Kerry said the U.S. was “grateful” to the French and shared some of their concerns. However speaking to NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, he maintained the U.S. position was not uninformed. “I think we have a pretty strong sense of how to measure whether or not we are acting in the interests in our country, and of the globe, and particularly of our allies, like Israel, and Gulf states, and others in the region.” Negotiations in Geneva will continue November 20.
Stephen Lendman: No Deal in Geneva
Justin Raimondo: ‘Peace Scare’ in Geneva
Times of Israel: US promises to consult with Israel on any Iran deal
Times of Israel: ‘Israel will attack Iran if you sign the deal, French MP told Fabius’
Richard Silverstein: France Torpedoes Iran Nuclear Deal, Hollande Rewarded with Knesset Address