Short Synopsis
This timely book focuses on President Obama's deeply considered strategy toward Iran's nuclear program and reveals how the historic agreement of 2015 broke the persistent stalemate in negotiations that had blocked earlier efforts.

Full Synopsis
This timely book focuses on President Obama's deeply considered strategy toward Iran's nuclear program and reveals how the historic agreement of 2015 broke the persistent stalemate in negotiations that had blocked earlier efforts.

The deal accomplished two major feats in one stroke: it averted the threat of war with Iran and prevented the possibility of an Iranian nuclear bomb. Trita Parsi, a Middle East foreign policy expert who advised the Obama White House throughout the talks and had access to decision-makers and diplomats on the U.S. and Iranian sides alike, examines every facet of a triumph that could become as important and consequential as Nixon's rapprochement with China.

Drawing from more than seventy-five in-depth interviews with key decision-makers, including Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, this is the first authoritative account of President Obama's signature foreign policy achievement.

"An astute and generous portrayal of both sides of the negotiating table." ---Kirkus

"[An] exceptionally well-written piece of reportage . . . The book’s strength derives from Parsi’s high level of access to key players on both sides. Parsi brings his unique vantage point to what will undoubtedly be the definitive account of Obama’s signature foreign policy achievement." ---Publishers Weekly

"A spectacularly illuminating book . . . This is and will remain for the foreseeable future the authoritative account of one of this century’s pivotal developments.” ---Andrew J. Bacevich, author of America’s War for the Greater Middle East: A Military History

"An eye-opening analysis of one of the most pivotal victories of American foreign policy.” ---Reza Aslan, bestselling author of Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth