Iran Deal: Not Perfect, But Better Than Nothing

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In The Media

Iran Deal: Not Perfect, But Better Than Nothing

The recent nuclear deal between Iran, the United States, China, Russia, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom is better than existing alternatives.

By James M. Acton

Published on Jul 14, 2015

Source: CNBC

Carnegie’s James Acton talked to CNBC about why Tuesday’s nuclear deal with Iran is better than existing alternatives. Acton argued that the agreement has very stringent limits on Iran’s nuclear activities lasting between ten and twenty-five years, as well as some very stringent verification provisions to detect cheating.

“It’s not a perfect deal, but the result I believe is better than any of the reasonably achievable alternatives at this point,” Acton said.

Acton added that it would be very hard to undo the deal and that that is “a good thing.” Responding to criticisms of the deal, Acton pointed out that the Soviet Union lied and yet the United States successfully did arms control with the USSR.

“This idea that the Iran deal is somehow based on trusting Iran is simply wrong. There are stringent verification provisions associated with this deal,” Acton said.

This interview was originally broadcast on CNBC.

About the Author

James M. Acton

Jessica T. Mathews Chair, Co-director, Nuclear Policy Program

Acton holds the Jessica T. Mathews Chair and is co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

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Carnegie India does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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