Iran framework agreement - Kerry makes the rounds with the P5+1 and Gulf States

Over the past few weeks, John Kerry has been busy meeting with his P5+1 counterparts and members of the Gulf States in the run up to the 31 March 2015 deadline for the framework agreement on the Iranian nuclear programme.


On 7 March, Kerry met with the French, German and British foreign ministers in Paris. Although Kerry told reporters after the meeting that everyone was "on the same page", it is clear that there were still "gaps that have to be closed". Whilst France continues to push for tougher terms, these negotiations also provide an opportunity for France to assert itself after the US backed down from supporting the French on the bombing of Syria over the use of chemical weapons in 2013. This stance also indirectly strengthens ties between France and the Gulf States that are opposed to the easing of the stranglehold on Iran.

In the same week, Kerry also met with King Salman in Riyadh, where foreign ministers of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE also gathered. The Gulf States remain concerned over Iran's influence in the region, especially its backing of Shia militias in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Its biggest discomfort remain - that Iran will develop weapons with its nuclear capabilities.

The framework agreement is meant to pave the way forward for sanctions on Iran to be lifted in exchange for Iran agreeing to dampen its nuclear programme. The main terms that remain to be agreed between the US and Iran, as well as amongst the P5+1 members the the Gulf States are:

• Volume: the number of centrifuges Iran can maintain and operate
• Checks: the inspection and verification regime to ensure Iran's compliance with the terms
• Duration: the length of time the deal will remain in place