Open Letter to Iran’s and the P5+1/EU3+3’s Nuclear Negotiators

We would like to recognise the nuclear negotiators representing China, the European Union, France, Germany, Iran, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States for their unwavering endeavours since October 2013, which have led to agreement on the framework for a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, announced on 2 April 2015.

As veteran practitioners of statecraft who understand the challenges of principled, patient and persistent diplomacy under tremendous domestic and external constraints, we applaud the negotiators for their courage, resolve and flexibility. Solving seemingly intractable international standoffs through peaceful means is a rarity in our troubled times; solutions that provide for win-win outcomes are even rarer.

Like all negotiated solutions, this understanding may not satisfy all stakeholders, but its realistic alternatives – a cycle of mutual escalation leading to an Iranian bomb or bombing Iran – will not stand them in better stead. Nor will this compromise assuredly reduce regional tensions; but its absence would likely further enflame them.

This understanding nonetheless stands as a singular accomplishment of our time, negotiated in good faith, with both sides achieving the maximum attainable under the circumstances. To ensure that this laudable step will lead to a lasting accord, we urge the negotiators to preserve the momentum and promptly finalise the remaining details – as well as critics to give them a chance.

Samuel Berger Former U.S. National Security Adviser, member of International Crisis Group’s Board of Trustees.

Carl Bildt Former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, member of International Crisis Group’s Board of Trustees.

Emma Bonino Former Foreign Minister of Italy, member of International Crisis Group’s Board of Trustees.

Micheline Calmy-Rey Former President and Foreign Minister of the Swiss Confederation, member of International Crisis Group’s Board of Trustees.

Jean-Marie Guéhenno President and CEO of International Crisis Group, former Deputy Joint Special Envoy of the UN and the League of Arab States on Syria, former UN Under Secretary-General for peacekeeping operations.

Thomas R. Pickering Former U.S. Undersecretary of State, Ambassador to the UN, Russia, India, Israel, Jordan, El Salvador and Nigeria, member of International Crisis Group’s Board of Trustees. 

Javier Solana Former EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy and Secretary General of the Council of the EU, former Secretary General of NATO, member of International Crisis Group’s Board of Trustees.