Iran nuclear deal leaves N. Korea the only `headache`

Iran and six world powers have reached a dramatic agreement on the outlines of an understanding to limit Iran`s nuclear programs. The tentative resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, which has been an international headache for the last 12 years, would free the world from fear over Iran`s nuclear weapons, while allowing the Islamic country to avoid economic sanctions. As Iran has taken a big step toward its denuclearization through dialogue and negotiations, the international community will likely put more pressure on North Korea, which is going it alone in nuclear development.

In Lausanne, Switzerland on Thursday (local time), the P5+1 group – the five permanent members of the U.N Security Council and Germany – agreed to a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, a framework for a final deal calling for Iran`s suspension of its nuclear development activities in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions against Tehran.

The agreement was reached 12 years after the disclosure of Iran`s secret uranium enrichment facilities in August 2002. Although further negotiations are necessary for a final agreement, the latest deal will likely be a monumental event in the global nuclear nonproliferation regime.

Under the tentative agreement, Iran would reduce the number of its centrifuges to 6,104 from 19,000 currently in operation and cut its inventory of low enriched uranium from 10,000 kilograms to 300 kilograms over the next 15 years. Iran also consented to redesign its heavy water reactors to prevent the production of weapon-grade plutonium and to the International Atomic Energy Agency`s inspection of Iran`s entire nuclear facilities and activities. In return, the international community would lift anti-Iran sanctions by the U.N., the U.S. and the European Union as soon as Iran fulfills its obligations after a final pact is reached in late June.

In a special White House statement, U.S. President Barack Obama called it a "good deal" and "historic understanding with Iran" that would "cut off every pathway" to an Iranian nuclear weapon.

Meanwhile, attention is paid to whether the Iran nuclear deal would affect the stalled negotiations over North Korea`s nuclear activities. "We hope that this agreement sends a clear message to North Korea that if Pyongyang holds negotiations with the international community with a sincere attitude, an agreement can be reached," said an official at South Korea`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Parties to the six-nation talks for the North`s denuclearization are seeking to take a two-track approach of pressures (sanctions) and dialogue (negotiations) as they did with Iran. We hope that the North will come to the meaningful dialogue table."

kyle@donga.com