Parties reached understanding, but much work remains.

Following many months of very difficult negotiations, Iranian and P5+1 diplomats announced an understanding for a political framework to resolve the nuclear issue. To read the specific details of their announcement, please read our previous statement.

After 25 years of concerted effort toward improving US-Iran relations, the American Iranian Council is pleased to see so much emphasis on the diplomatic process. Motivated by our mission to normalize US-Iran relations, the AIC has played an important role throughout this negotiating process, by directly engaging both sides. In fact, the AIC’s own 2009 White Paper became the roadmap for the Obama administration’s ambitious engagement with Iran. To support our ongoing efforts in this pivotal phase and ensure that all this progress is not reversed by opponents, please make a quick online donation that is 100% tax deductible by clicking here.

Moving forward, much work needs to be done to help the diplomats achieve a comprehensive deal by the June 30 deadline. Similarly, we must continue to work to ensure that all parties fulfill their commitments, and that relief from EU, US, and UN nuclear-related sanctions is delivered to Iran in return for its continued compliance with measures to ensure that the nation’s nuclear program is solely peaceful.

Addressing the press shortly after the understanding was announced in Lausanne, Switzerland, President Obama said,

“Today, the United States, together with our allies and partners, has reached a historic understanding with Iran, which, if fully implemented, will prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon...and I am convinced that if this framework leads to a final, comprehensive deal, it will make our country, our allies, and our world safer. This has been a long time coming.”

With your help, we can not only ensure that the nuclear issue is resolved in a way that is fair to Iran, as well as the P5+1, but also pivot to address all the outstanding issues between the US and Iran that are impacting the region. It has always been our position that specific issues, such as the nuclear issue, should not be addressed in isolation, but rather within the context of broader US-Iran relations. Moreover, the AIC has led the way in these efforts since 1990, by not only consistently opposing war, sanctions, and coercion, but also by outlining and pursuing its vision of normalization. Throughout our storied history, we have held conferences that featured Senators, Congressmen, and even a sitting Secretary of State. We have produced substantive publications that rise above the normal hype that others produce. We’ve executed programs aimed at reviving Iran’s image, shielding Iranian Americans, and more. We have even generated breakthroughs in US-Iran relations by facilitating backdoor diplomacy, including the 2003 Grand Bargain. It is because of our work that the Council has drawn former Senators, Ambassadors, Secretaries, Academics, and other esteemed individuals to its unrivaled board of directors and honorary board.

With these achievements, clout, and credibility built over the course of 25 years, the AIC continues to play a major role in US-Iran relations through our new articles, media appearances, upcoming events, online campaigns, direct engagement with decision makers, and much more.

To achieve more breakthroughs in US-Iran relations much work needs to be done, and the American Iranian Council is the most important and capable organization to help hasten that process. To support our shared goal of achieving peace in US-Iran relations, please make a donation of $200, $100, or an amount of your choosing, by clicking here.