Main issues in Iran nuclear agreement

U.S. President Barack Obama and international negotiators are pushing for a framework deal with Iran over its nuclear programme by the end of March and a full accord by July

URANIUM ENRICHMENT

Iran could continue enrichment –used for peaceful energy or nuclearweapon – with 6,500 basic model centrifuges, if most of its uraniumstockpile is shipped to Russia. Dealaims to keep Iran one year awayfrom bomb. Iran’s enrichment to near- weapons-grade level halted in 2013

UNDERGROUND FACILITY

Fordow enrichment site poses problem as it could not be eliminated militarily. Israel and U.S. hawks wantit dismantled, but compromise could see bunker restricted to research

PLUTONIUM PRODUCTION

Solutions for dealing with Arak heavy water reactor – which offers potential alternative route to bomb – include closing facility, turning it into light water reactor or reconfiguring plant to produce less plutonium

TIMESPAN

Full restrictions could be in place forat least 10 years, before gradual easing of conditions over last five years of deal. U.S. insists heightened inspections will not be scaled back 

SANCTIONS RELIEF

Possible phased approach, involving suspension of some restrictions immediately, with others over time. Obama says calls by Israel and many in U.S. Congress for new sanctions on Iran risk scuttling diplomacy

HISTORY OF DECEPTION

U.S. officials say unanswered questions by UN inspectors about possible previous military aspects of Iran’s nuclear programme will haveto be addressed in agreement

Main nuclear sites
Tehran
Fordow
Bushehr
Isfahan
Natanz
Arak

IRAN
IRAQ
AFGHANISTAN
SAUDI
ARABIA
The Gulf
400km
250 miles

Source: Wire agencies
Picture: Associated Press