Chance must not be lost to resolve Iran nuke issue

The signing of a framework deal between Iran and 5+1 nations on Friday is the closest the world has come to resolving the Iranian nuclear issue, which should give the parties involved more than enough reason to negotiate the final technical details before a June 30 deadline.

The historic deal was reached at Lausanne, Switzerland, on April 2 after the two sides agreed in principle to resolve the issue following eight days of marathon talks. Between now and June 30 lies sheer hard work for Iran on one side, and the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany.

The job will not be easy because Iran and the United States already have their own interpretations on what they agreed to at Lausanne. Teheran insists that the framework deal is non-binding on the signatory parties as it only offers a way to a comprehensive accord. But the US State Department interpretation would have one believe that Iran has made substantial commitments to the international community.