The US-Iran talks transcend the nuclear issue

THE second deadline to reach a final agreement on Iran’s controversial nuclear program has expired, with both Iran and the six world powers agreeing on a second extension that gives them seven months to reach a comprehensive agreement. Negotiators agreed to conclude by March 1 what both sides need to do and by when, which would be followed by a formalized agreement four months later. In the meantime, Tehran will be able to continue to access around $700 million per month in sanctions relief.

The United States and Iran were not expected to reach a final agreement by the Nov. 24 deadline. What is more important is that the negotiations have reached a point where both sides have an interest in continuing discussions until they reach a settlement. In the long run, the nuclear issue is not as important for either side as the regional dynamics are.