However, some Washington hardliners opposed to a nuclear deal with Iran are also aware of the Japanese role, and have expressed concern that any possible nuclear deal could derail international momentum for crippling sanctions on Iran. "I've heard that Japan has offered the Iranians to do the [fuel swap] in Japan with Obama's blessing," Mark Dubowitz, executive director of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, told POLITICO. "I think the White House really wants to return to a uranium export plan and would gladly accept this if Iran did. A massive turnout on February 11th [the 31st anniversary of the Iranian revolution] in Iran could derail all of this and expedite the discussion of sanctions."

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