Sanctions Over Iran Nuclear Program Lifted
KABUL: (MEP) Sanctions levied over Iran nuclear program have been lifted following confirmation of Tehran’s commitment tothe Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In a dramatic move scheduled to coincide with the scrapping of the sanctions, Tehran also announced the release of five Americans including Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian as part of a prisoner swap with the United States.
The announcement was made by European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during a joint press conference in Vienna on Saturday.
Mogherini read out a statement in English which was subsequently read out by Zarif in Persian.
“As Iran has fulfilled its commitments, today, multilateral and national economic and financial sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear program are lifted in accordance,” read the statement. “All sides remain firmly convinced that this historic deal is both strong and fair, and that it meets the requirements of all.”
The statement added, “This achievement clearly demonstrates that with political will, perseverance, and through multilateral diplomacy, we can solve the most difficult issues and find practical solutions that are effectively implemented.”
Meanwhile, the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency said in a statement, “Iran has carried out all measures required under the (July deal) to enable Implementation Day (of the deal) to occur.”
Within minutes, the United States formally lifted banking, steel, shipping and other sanctions on Iran, a major oil producer which has been virtually shut out of international markets for the past five years.
The European Union also began the process of lifting sanctions and Iran’s transport minister said Tehran plans to buy 114 civil aircraft from European aircraft maker Airbus.
US Secretary of State John Kerry, also present in Vienna, confirmed the IAEA’s report, saying that “The US sanctions-related commitments… are now in effect.”
Kerry said the United States would “immediately” remove sanctions imposed on Tehran, “expanding the horizon of opportunity for the Iranian people.”
