MESOP TODAY’S EDITORIAL BY FOREIGN POLICY (FP) – Kerry Works to Unify Stance Ahead of Iran Nuclear Deadline

 20 Nov 2014 – As the November 24 deadline for reaching a deal over Iran’s nuclear program approaches, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is working to ensure a unified stance with the United States’ main European and Arab allies. The United States, Britain, and France have publicly projected a common position, however officials have expressed concerns that France might adopt a tougher line or that Britain might be open to an extension of negotiations. The United States has maintained there has been no discussion of an extension, however on Wednesday British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said he wasn’t optimistic negotiators could finalize a deal by the deadline, and that an extension may be warranted. Meanwhile, on Thursday the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Yukiya Amano, said Iran has again failed to provide explanations about suspected nuclear weapons research.