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Breakthrough deal

Jul 15,2015 - Last updated at Jul 15,2015

The deal between Iran and the so-called 5+1 powers on Tehran’s nuclear programme has been called many names already, with the majority of nations hailing it as a breakthrough that could usher in a new era in the Middle East. 

The deal was struck after months of tortuous and painstaking negotiations culminating in Tuesday’s landmark announcement that the latest marathon talks in Vienna ended in a success. 

The government said it is following the latest developments through diplomatic channels.

Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani stressed the Kingdom’s firm stance in support of any step that would enhance regional peace and stability.

US President Barack Obama immediately praised the landmark deal as “historic” saying that it has effectively “stopped the spread of nuclear weapons” and “offers an opportunity to move in a new direction”. 

Obama believes that the accord “prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons”, which ostensibly is its main goal, and exposes its nuclear programme to unfettered inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency. 

EU Foreign Policy Chief Frederica Mogherni described it as a “good deal” and “a sign of hope for the entire world”.

But there were also voices expressing alarm about the agreement, notably the Israeli prime minister who said it was a “historic mistake for the world” and declared that his country is not bound by it.  

Other countries expressed some doubts and unease about the deal. 

Saudi Arabia reacted by saying that there has been a “monumental miscalculation” in striking the deal with Iran, but stopped short of condemning it. 

Other Arab Gulf states, notably the Emirates, gave it the benefit of the doubt and welcomed the accord.

Some members of the US Congress are already on the record as being against the deal including House Speaker John Boehner, who expressed fears that it will fuel a nuclear arms race. 

The US Congress has 60 days to review the accord but Obama has already threatened to veto any rejection of the deal. 

However, no final judgement can be made on the deal till the some 100 pages of the accord are fully examined and digested. 

All preliminary comments on the agreement, whether pro or con, must therefore await further perusal of the lengthy accord. 

As the saying goes, the devil is in the details.

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