After several months in which almost all parties expressed skepticism over the prospects for a renewed JCPOA, talks are now at a critical juncture, and it seems only a matter of time before the involved players reach an agreement. While most of the issues have been resolved, a few sticking points continue to loom over the process and could still jeopardize the deal. In the past weeks, a last-minute Russian demand for written guarantees exempting it from Ukraine-related sanctions has further complicated the JCPOA negotiations.

Where does Iran’s nuclear deal stand after a year of talks? How is the war in Ukraine affecting the current JCPOA negotiations in Vienna? What will the MENA region look like after a new agreement? How does a new deal fit into Raisi’s domestic and international agenda, from both a political and economic perspective? To what extent might the Iranian oil contribute to alleviate the dire consequences of the global energy crisis?

Panel Discussion

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Visiting Fellow, Middle East and North Africa programme, European Council on Foreign Relations; Founder and CEO, Bourse & Bazaar Foundation

Abdolrasool Divsallar, Non-Resident Scholar, Middle East Institute; Visiting Professor, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Barbara Slavin, Director, Future of Iran Initiative, Non-resident Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council

Chair

Sara Bazoobandi, Associate Research Fellow, ISPI; Marie Curie Fellow, GIGA Institute of Middle East Studies