A new 60-day negotiation window is opening between the US and Iran over the nuclear program, one of the most critical points in their long-standing tensions. The temporary agreement is expected to be officially signed on Friday in Switzerland.
Under the agreement, the Strait of Hormuz is to be reopened for global oil shipments, while Iran will receive phased economic incentives contingent on compliance steps. Both sides plan to conduct intensive talks on the future of Iran’s nuclear program during this period.
Cautious Optimism in Washington, Strong Skepticism in Congress
US President Donald Trump stated that the initiative was launched to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He emphasized that Tehran’s nuclear ambitions are seen as a fundamental threat to regional stability.
However, many senators, analysts, and regional allies argue that reaching a comprehensive deal in such a short time is difficult. Criticism focuses especially on the complexity of technical details and the tight schedule.
It is recalled that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action was completed over more than 18 months through multilateral and intensive diplomacy. The new process aims to reach a similar outcome in a much shorter timeframe.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expressed doubts about whether Iran will completely halt uranium enrichment. He said the question of what a good deal would look like remains open.
David Schenker from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy also highlighted the technical aspects of the process. Schenker noted that nuclear diplomacy requires experts who master the details and long-term coordination.
Step-by-Step Easing, Progress in Exchange for Sanctions Relief
The US side argues that the phased approach was chosen to create leverage. US Vice President JD Vance said Iran will receive sanctions relief and other incentives only if it takes verifiable steps.
Vance stated, "We look at what people do. The structure of this deal is: the more steps they take, the more they gain." The US administration remains cautious about the assurances provided by Iran.
Iran continues to assert that its nuclear program is peaceful. However, it remains unclear whether the agreement will be limited only to technical issues such as uranium enrichment, centrifuge development, and heavy water production.
The agreement enacted during former President Barack Obama’s administration imposed limits on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for billions of dollars in sanctions relief. However, Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018, calling it "the worst deal ever negotiated."
Calls for Oversight Rise in Congress
The new process is also being closely monitored in the US Congress. Republican Senator Ted Cruz argued that the final decision should rest with Congress, while Senator John Kennedy expressed deep doubts about Iran’s commitment to its obligations.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine noted that previous diplomatic frameworks could provide a technical foundation. Nevertheless, he pointed out that the current timeframe is short and the current team has limited experience.
Experienced diplomats and technical experts were involved in previous talks, with intensive multilateral coordination centered in Vienna. Critics believe the current team’s lack of similar depth could make resolving critical issues on time more difficult.
Another key question is whether the agreement will be limited solely to the nuclear file or will also cover Iran’s ballistic missile program, support for regional proxy forces, and internal political pressure mechanisms. These issues hold particular importance for allies in Europe and the Middle East.
Brian Katulis from the Middle East Institute pointed out that reaching a full-scale compromise is difficult. Katulis said the agreement is primarily an effort to stabilize the current situation rather than escalate a new conflict.
Before the expected signing in Switzerland, attention is focused on whether the 60-day diplomatic timeline will be sufficient to overcome mutual distrust. The outcome will determine if the temporary framework can evolve into a lasting nuclear agreement.
