Breakthrough or Extension: Implications for US and European Relations with Iran

A discussion with:
Clifford Kupchan  
Chairman  
Eurasia Group 

Cornelius Adebahr 
Associate, Europe Program
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace 

Erich Ferrari 
Attorney at Law 
Ferrari & Associates, P.C. 

Moderated by:
Barbara Slavin
Senior Fellow, South Asia Center 
Atlantic Council  

Expectations are rising that Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany  will reach an agreement on key elements of a comprehensive nuclear agreement trading long-term curbs on Iran’s nuclear program for phased relief of economic sanctions. A breakthrough could significantly improve the chances for US and European cooperation with Iran in dealing with other regional challenges, particularly the rise of the group calling itself the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, and could also motivate Western businesses to sign new deals with Iran. Speakers will discuss the implications of a deal or a possible extension of negotiations for both political and economic relations with Iran. They will also comment on  the possible ramifications of the midterm election results for an agreement with Iran and what impact it may have on the easing of sanctions.

The Iran Task Force, chaired by Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat, seeks to perform a comprehensive analysis of Iran’s internal political landscape, its role in the region and globally, and any basis for an improved relationship with the West. It is supported generously by the Ploughshares Fund.