Capping centrifuges at 1,500: The Obama administration initially called for limiting the number of Iranian centrifuges used to enrich uranium to 500 to 1,500, experts say. But U.S. negotiators walked back those limits, allowing Iran 6,104 centrifuges.
Shuttering secret nuclear facilities: The U.S. initially called for Iran to completely close down its secret underground nuclear enrichment facility at Fordow and the heavy water reactor at Arak. President Obama said in December 2013 that Iran had no need for either. However, under the framework announced last week, both Fordow and Arak remain in operation. Fordow will have 1,000 centrifuges but be converted into a research facility, while Arak will continue producing plutonium, albeit at a low-grade unusable for a bomb.
Ending Iran’s ballistic missile program: U.S. negotiators also dropped demands that Iran restrict development of ballistic missiles that could be used to deliver warheads, experts say. The current framework only says a new UN resolution would incorporate ‘important restrictions on conventional arms and ballistic missiles.’
Finalizing a 20-year deal: Initially the U.S. pushed for a deal that would last over 20 years. However, the framework would see the deal’s key terms sunset in 10 to 15 years.
Michael Singh, a senior fellow and managing director at The Washington Institute, warned, “If nothing changes in Iran in 10 years… then you’re looking at after 10 years, a much shorter break-out time.”
