BICOM has interviewed four experts to get their perspectives on the nuclear deal, Iran’s regional policies, and how to move forward.

Eran Lerman is a former Deputy for Foreign Policy and International Affairs at the National Security Council. Lerman is convinced that, given the sanctions on Iran and the potential military threat, a much better deal could have been forged before 2015. He believes that Congress can play a major role in rewriting some of the key provisions – most importantly the so-called “sunset clause” – in order to ensure it doesn’t give Iran a free run to the bomb once the deal expires. He also claims that, similar to agreements that were made with the Soviet Union, a deal with Iran should be an “entire package” and also relate to its behaviour in the region, human rights, and ballistic missiles programme. Lerman contends that if the international community resumes serious systemic pressure the deal can be renegotiated, and that if European countries realised the choice was between renewing sanctions and war (rather than renewing sanctions or the current status quo) they could be convinced to renew sanctions.