Iran warns that sanctions will dominate fresh nuclear talks

Fresh talks aimed at finalizing a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers will focus on the lifting of sanctions and possible intervention by the U.S. Congress, a top Iranian negotiator said Wednesday. Iran and the P5+1 group of nations agreed earlier this month to a framework deal aimed at putting a nuclear bomb out of Tehran’s reach in return for an easing of economic sanctions. U.S. President Barack Obama called the interim agreement a “historic understanding,” but Iran is concerned that the U.S. Congress could introduce a bill to block a final accord, which must be struck by June 30.

We will ask the American delegation to explain this issue and will ask for clear and precise information on the details regarding the removal of sanctions.

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to the official IRNA news agency

If fully implemented, a deal will see Iran dramatically scaling back its nuclear activities and submitting those that remain to what Obama described as the “most robust and intrusive inspections and transparency regime ever negotiated." In return, the U.S. and five other major powers committed to lift certain sanctions that have caused the Islamic republic of 75 million people major economic pain by strangling its oil exports and financial system. The accord, if completed and implemented, would draw to a close a crisis that has been steadily and dangerously escalating since Iran’s nuclear program was first revealed some 12 years ago.

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