U.S.-Iran Negotiations: The Fraught Road Ahead

In their 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU), the United States and Iran have agreed to “negotiating and achieving the final deal in maximum 60 days extendable with mutual consent." However, challenges abound at the negotiating table, including the fragile ceasefire on the Israeli-Lebanese border, the ever-problematic Strait of Hormuz, and the issue of nuclear assets and international oversight. In the absence of even a modicum of trust in the wake of this bloody war, the likelihood of quickly reaching a successful deal seems uncertain. Are there relevant lessons from previous negotiations with Iran? What are the major do’s and don’ts when working with Tehran and organizing a U.S. delegation and strategy? Join Aaron David Miller in conversation with three former American negotiators: Robert Malley and Alan Eyre, members of the negotiating team for the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015; and Michael Singh, former senior director for Middle East affairs at the National Security Council during President George W. Bush’s administration (2005-2008), to discuss the best path forward for the U.S. and Iran, on Carnegie Connects.