Tempers Stay Hot in Wake of Iranian Nuclear Deal; US Concedes on Arak

Despite the signing of the interim agreement between the Western powers and Iran, confusion still reigns and tempers still flare as the issues move into final negotiations. On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif created a tempest when he told parliament that construction at the Arak site will continue even though the Western understanding of the agreement is that Iran agreed it would not. The point is a significant one because Arak is a heavy water plant and scientists say there is no reason for heavy water reactors except for weaponry; and SecState Kerry had cited the agreement on Arak as an achievement of the deal. Nevertheless, the Obama administration later conceded and backed the Iranian interpretation that construction not tied to the reactor itself will be allowed although the position is a far cry from the previously-stated goal of having the Arak site removed. The government-run FARS news agency also reported that Iranian officials are accusing Washington of circulating false information about the agreement, calling the White House fact sheet a “modified version of the deal.” Washington Post columnist David Ignatius reported in his column that President Obama scolded Prime Minister Netanyahu to stop complaining and work toward the final agreement; while Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee lashed out at the president, calling his approach “fear-mongering.” Menendez took umbrage at what he described as accusing those who want to keep sanctions in-place and begin the process of having new ones ready when Iran reneges as “marching the country off to war.” Fellow-Democrat Charles Schumer (D-NY) has also differed with the Obama administration on the need for sanctions.