Proliferation

The deal gives Tehran access to frozen funds for humanitarian purposes, likely paving the way for resumed nuclear talks this fall as both sides try to lower tensions.

Tehran may argue that its 2020 nuclear law constrains its room for maneuver in any future talks, but its compliance with that law has long been spotty, and officials seem more focused on ensuring that any concessions they make are reversible.

Facing the imminent expiration of UN sanctions but unwilling to trigger “snapback,” the EU and Britain should unilaterally extend some of their own restrictions on Tehran.

This infographic is based on the Washington Institute’s 2015 nuclear glossary, a detailed guide that provides summaries of technical terms relating to Iran’s nuclear progress.

The kingdom has substantial gaps in its ability to handle nonconventional attacks or incidents involving the release of hazardous materials, but addressing them now could improve both its readiness at home and its interoperability with foreign forces.

The administration is essentially trying to kick the can down the road in order to avoid worse scenarios, but this approach may backfire without firmer steps to slow Iran’s nuclear progress in the meantime.

The latest change followed the normal timeline for such appointments, and the new council secretary is a demonstrated loyalist who will presumably toe the Supreme Leader’s uncompromising line.

The case of a parliamentarian accused of weapons trafficking is grabbing headlines, but it is just one small part of the sharp increase in gun smuggling across Jordan and Israel’s frontiers.

In the longer term, the increased flow of weapons will likely exacerbate tensions in the region, spur Arab states to enhance their own arsenals, and endanger any U.S. and partner forces that confront Tehran’s proxies.