Nuclear Negotiations

After three rounds of indirect nuclear talks, the U.S. and Iran are… still talking. 

Following President Trump’s ultimatum last week to reach a deal soon or face “very bad things” (think: military action), American and Iranian delegations met in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday in an effort to de-escalate tensions over Iran’s nuclear programs. 

Washington—which believes Iran is building a nuclear bomb that could hit the U.S.—wants the Mid-East nation to dismantle its main nuclear sites, indefinitely halt all uranium enrichment (a key nuclear-bomb building step), and surrender its enriched uranium to the States. Iran wants Uncle Sam to recognize its right to enrich uranium and scale back sanctions, maintaining that its nuclear development is energy-focused. 

Despite dueling desires, both sides have exchanged “positive ideas,” made “significant progress” toward a deal, and said negotiations will “resume soon.” 

Verses to consider whether you’re conducting high-level international diplomacy, stuck in the middle of a tense conflict at work, settling playground squabbles, or just trying to get your cat into his carrier… “Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry for help.” 
Psalm 34:14–15 (CSB) (read full passage)