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BBC World Service

Iran returns to the bargaining table

James Reynolds Nov 20, 2013
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BBC World Service

Iran returns to the bargaining table

James Reynolds Nov 20, 2013
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Talks between the U.S., other world powers, and Iran aimed at persuading Iran to curb its nuclear program are back underway in Geneva today. In exchange, Iran is looking for relief from economic sanctions. The last round of talks fell apart over Iran’s insistence that its right to enrich uranium should be recognized by the international community.

If these talks show progress, it’s thought that United States may try to ease sanctions when it comes to some of the frozen assets that Iran holds in overseas banks. Iran is thought to have up to $10 billion in frozen assets that could be released.

The Obama administration, under fire from some in Congress for participating in the negotiations, insists that any sanctions relief would be reversible if the Iranian government doesn’t uphold its end of the bargain. The White House is looking for a way to control sanctions relief in a way that bypasses Congress. One major complication for the administration in this process is that if Congress itself imposes a sanction, only Congress has the power to lift it.

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