Iran Primer's Blog
Obama: Nuclear Deal is the Best Option
On April 11, President Barack Obama emphasized that a nuclear deal, if finalized, is the best way to curb Iran’s nuclear program. He claimed that a majority of technical experts think that the framework announced April 2 could lead to “a realistic, plausible, meaningful approach to cut off the…
Kerry Defends Blueprint for Iran Deal
In three interviews on April 12, Secretary of State John Kerry maintained that his portrayal of the blueprint for a nuclear deal with Iran is correct. “Everything I have laid out is a fact and I’ll stand by them,” he told CBS’ Bob Schieffer. Statements by Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader…
Iran Condemns Airstrikes on Yemen
Saudi Arabia's airstrike campaign against Houthi positions in Yemen has drawn strong condemnation from Iranian officials. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif demanded an “immediate halt” to Saudi military actions, which began on March 26. Iran is widely seen as the main backer of the Houthis, a…
New York Times Videos: Life in Iran
The New York Times has released the following series of videos about everyday life inside Iran by Thomas Erdbrink and Roel Van Broekhoven.
Khamenei Comments: Nuclear Plan, Yemen
In a speech on April 9, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said he was “neither for nor against” the nuclear framework announced by Iran and the world’s six major powers on April 2, noting that the details remain to be finalized. He also said that the results of the tallks may determine whether…
New Polls: A Third of Americans Support Nuke Plan
The following are key findings from four recent polls, which were conducted in the days following the announcement of a nuclear framework between Iran and the world's six major powers. In two of the polls, around a third of respondents said they support the framework. Economist/YouGov Poll A…
Iran Nuclear Plan: Editorial Roundup
The following is a snapshot of editorials from U.S. newspapers and media outlets on the nuclear framework that was announced by the world’s six major powers and Iran on April 2.Supporters The New York Times “A Promising Nuclear Deal with Iran” “The preliminary agreement between Iran and…
Energy Secretary Moniz Briefs on Talks
The following are excerpt remarks from a press briefing at the White House with Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Press Secretary Josh Earnest on April 6. SECRETARY MONIZ: So, first of all, we say that there are four pathways to a bomb in Iran. One is a plutonium pathway through a research…
Erdogan in Iran to Strengthen Ties
On April 7, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Hassan Rouhani, and other Iranian officials in Tehran. The leaders signed eight agreements focused on improving economic cooperation, and downplayed disagreements between Iran and Turkey over the…
Iran Nuclear Plan: Iranian Media Reacts
The following is a sampling of Iranian media coverage of the nuclear framework that was announced by the world's six major powers and Iran on April 2.Shargh The headline reads "Passing Through the June Crisis: A Comprehensive Agreement," in an apparent reference to the June 30 deadline for a final…