On Delaying New Iranian Sanctions

In October, Iran announced it had halted efforts to enrich Uranium up to 20 percent, which is basically one technical step away from weapons grade nuclear material.  The US may not need to accept a bad nuclear deal with Iran, but we should delay the implementation of new economic sanctions as part of a good faith effort.  Expanding sanctions at this point will thoughtlessly punish Iran instead of incentivizing Iran to pursue a nuclear deal.  On the other hand, a limited delay will offer the Iranians an incentive to reach an agreement amicable to Western and regional interests.  By imposing a timeline on negotiations through the enactment of a delay, a failure to reach a deal will automatically punish Iran without undercutting America’s promise to negotiate in good faith.