The latest round of P5+1 talks with Iran on their civilian nuclear program is reported to be on the cusp of a “breakthrough,” as Secretary of State John Kerry is making an unscheduled trip to Geneva to participate.

 

“The aim of both sides is to sign the agreement,” according to Iran’s chief negotiator Abbas Araqchi, and while a lot of details still need to be worked out an interim deal may well be signed on Friday.

Though details are still scant, the reports of a “six month” deal also appear to be true, and Iranian officials are talking up the idea of getting at least some of the sanctions lifted in this deal.

That’s going to be difficult with Congressional hawks so loudly opposed to any deal with Iran, but the talks seem to have some significant momentum, and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif says he is hopeful about a basic framework being agreed to, leading to an eventual permanent agreement.