Iran and six major world powers have reached a conclusive deal on the Iranian nuclear industry. The agreement brings an end the 12-year dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program and related economic sanctions.
14 July 2015
Large numbers of people celebrated on the streets of Tehran on Tuesday, after the nuclear deal was reached, Ruptly reports. Iranians honked their car horns and flashed victory signs in celebration after the announcement of the historic nuclear agreement with the P5+1 group. Pictures of the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif were seen hanging on car windows, also 'Zarif' chants were heard, praising his role in reaching the agreement.
Striking a nuclear deal with Iran was not exclusive of the necessity for creating a ballistic missile defense system to counter potential threats from Tehran, US State department said.
US President Barack Obama discussed the Iran nuclear deal with United Arab Emirates’ Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan in a telephone conversation. Obama emphasized the US’ commitment to cooperate with the Gulf States, including UAE, in order to counter destabilization in the region resulting from Iran’s activities.
Saudi Arabia said that although it supports the July 14 nuclear agreement with Iran, strict inspections as well as reserving the fundamental ability to re-impose sanctions are critical.
The White House said on Tuesday that it will take a couple of days to send the documents of the Iran nuclear deal to the US Congress for review. Congress will have 60 days to review the deal and potentially block it from being implemented. (Reuters)
US Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said that is was “unfair” for Republicans to rush to judge the nuclear deal with Iran.
Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, expressed gratitude to the Iranian negotiators for their efforts in Vienna, while Iran’s President Rouhani thanked him for his support of the delegation.
US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) said it would “be hard” to override President Obama’s veto in case Congress fails to approve the Iran nuclear deal, Reuters reports.
Israel would not be bound by the Iran nuclear deal, the country’s security cabinet stated after the Tuesday meeting thus echoing Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement, in which he called the deal "stunning, historic mistake."
"Israel is not bound by this deal with Iran because Iran continues to seek our destruction. We will always defend ourselves," Netanyahu said.
The nuclear deal with Iran reached on July 14 eliminates a nuclear threat to Israel, US President Barack Obama told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a telephone conversation. Obama told Netanyahu that “the joint action plan would definitely hinder Iran from getting a nuclear weapon,” as reported by the White House. Obama added that his administration “ensures the security of Israel” with the deal leading to the result that “serves the national interests both of the US and Israel.”
Pentagon chief Ashton Carter will visit Israel next week to discuss security cooperation issues in the context of the Iran nuclear deal, a source in the White House said.
Lindsey Graham, a republican Senator from South Carolina, sharply criticized the Iran nuclear deal, calling it “a nightmare of the US national security and for the world.”
This deal is far worse than I ever dreamed it could be... nightmare for our own national security, region, & eventually the world at large.
— Lindsey Graham (@GrahamBlog) July 14, 2015
IAEA might need around one million euro per month to implement parts of the Iran nuclear deal, its Director General Yukiya Amano announced on Tuesday.
“For your reference, the fund needed to implement the joint plan of action, an interim agreement that we are requested to monitor and verify, requires a fund of 1 million euro a month. We think that the fund needed for the new agreement would not be too different,” Amano told reporters in Vienna, as cited by Sputnik news agency.
"Israel/ US relationship will never be the same" – Owen Alterman from Institute for National Security Studies told RT
Politico cites a Monmouth University telephone poll of 1,001 adults, conducted July 9-12, that shows 58 percent of registered voters “do not trust Iran at all to abide by any nuclear deal.”
The Iran deal “means recognizing that no matter how deeply Americans believe in their country’s unique virtue, the United States is subject to the same restraints that have governed great powers in the past. For the Republican right, that’s a deeply unwelcome realization. For many other Americans, it’s a relief. It’s a sign that, finally, the Bush era in American foreign policy is over,” wrote Peter Beinart in The Atlantic.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a prominent Democratic lawmaker from Massachusetts, endorsed the agreement as preferable to tensions and war.
Diplomacy is our best hope of ending the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran, far better than the alternative of escalating tensions & war.
— Elizabeth Warren (@SenWarren) July 14, 2015
Florida Senator Marco Rubio, also bidding for the Republican presidential nomination, started a petition against the deal and called Iran's government a "despicable regime."
It will be left to the next President to return us to a position of American strength and re-impose sanctions on this despicable regime.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) July 14, 2015
The Council of the European Union has prolonged the suspension of EU restrictive measures until January 14, 2016, it said in a press release on Tuesday.
Following an agreement reached earlier in the day, the further suspension of sanctions "will allow the EU to make the necessary arrangements and preparations for the implementation of the new Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," the EU Council statement said.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the deal as a "historic breakthrough."
I warmly welcome the #IranDeal reached today. It represents a historic breakthrough and will strengthen international security.
— Jens Stoltenberg (@jensstoltenberg) July 14, 2015
Another Republican contender, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, called the deal "staggeringly bad" and a "fundamental betrayal of the security of the United States and of our closest allies, first and foremost Israel."
Congress must stop a deal that puts Iran on the path toward a nuclear bomb https://t.co/a8b6IqTimQ#IranDeal
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) July 14, 2015
Republican candidate Jeb Bush called the deal "dangerous, deeply flawed, and short sighted."
The nuclear agreement with Iran is a dangerous, deeply flawed, and short sighted deal. My full statement: http://t.co/sSftOAkyAM
— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) July 14, 2015
After a meeting with congressional Democrats, Hillary Clinton said the deal "is an important step that puts a lid on Iran's nuclear programs," adding that it would enable the US and its allies to turn its attention to "Iran's other bad actions," National Public Radio reported.
Democratic presidential contender Bernie Sanders hailed the deal as a victory for diplomacy.
The #IranDeal is a victory for diplomacy over saber-rattling and could keep us from being drawn into another never-ending war.
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) July 14, 2015
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, blasted the deal as a capitulation to Iran that endangers US allies in the region, "especially the democratic Jewish State of Israel."
#Obama Admin capitulated to the demands of #Iran and negotiated a weak deal that endangers our national security. http://t.co/m6jkjOsg7m
— Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (@RosLehtinen) July 14, 2015
Former Senator and VP candidate Joseph Lieberman, testifying at the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing Tuesday, said the deal “temporarily delays but ultimately allows Iran to become a nuclear weapons state,” which was precisely what Congress fought to prevent and stop. He urged the lawmakers to vote against the deal.
US House speaker John Boehner called the nuclear agreement with Iran “a bad deal,” adding that it would provide Iran with billions of dollars after sanctions relief that could eventually end up in Tehran getting a nuclear weapon, as reported by Reuters. However, Boehner emphasized he had not prejudged the deal, only told Obama he was skeptical about it.
"We're going to do everything we can to get to the details and if in fact it's as bad a deal as I think it is at this moment, we're going to do everything we can to stop it," Boehner said in a news briefing.
US President Barack Obama plans to make phone calls to Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi King Salman, as well as European allies concerning the deal reached with Iran, Reuters reports citing US officials.
German vice-chancellor Sigmar Gabriel, accompanied by a group of German businessmen, is going to visit Iran on July 19, DPA reports. Gabriel is reportedly planning to visit the capital, Tehran, and the city of Isfahan and to meet with Iran’s government and businessmen. Sigmar Gabriel called the nuclear deal reached in Vienna “a big progress” adding that it brought hope that “the conflict is finally settled.”
#Press Conf w/ #IAEA DG Amano on #Iran agreements begins @ 18:00 Vienna Time—More info: https://t.co/5c7ZzRutIt#IranDeal#IranTalks
— IAEA (@iaeaorg) July 14, 2015
The ruler of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, congratulated Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on the nuclear deal, UAE agency WAM reported.
President Vladimir Putin's statement on the completion of the Iranian nuclear programme talks http://t.co/MCYd7QN43f
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) July 14, 2015
#IAEA Director General to address journalists following agreements w/ #Iranhttp://t.co/GckeaMfGBI#IranDeal#IranDealVienna
— IAEA (@iaeaorg) July 14, 2015
We won all #IranTalksVienna IranTalksVienna #Iran#IranDealpic.twitter.com/8ztNJotB8r
— Tiziana Ciavardini (@Tiziana_1967) July 14, 2015
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the Middle East's economies would benefit from the lifting of international sanctions from Iran as he met his Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari. The latter praised the nuclear deal, saying it would bring stability to the region.
Lavrov: #IranDeal talks are done - after years of effort. (FULL STATEMENT)
Statement by #IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano https://t.co/Ytn4a9QJYP#IranTalks#IranTalksVienna#PressReleasepic.twitter.com/ZNy3ZJMick
— IAEA (@iaeaorg) July 14, 2015
The Iran nuclear deal will safeguard the global nuclear non-proliferation system and proves the world can solve pressing issues though negotiation, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said as broadcast by Chinese state television. (Reuters)
"I believe it would be irresponsible to walk away from this deal." —@POTUS: http://t.co/3PJ1t0Zk7U#IranDealhttp://t.co/20aWaoiia6
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 14, 2015
We did not expect #ranDeal to come easily. Extensive negotiations in light of mutual respect & win-win mentality were absolutely crucial.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) July 14, 2015
German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he is planning to visit Iran after Tehran and the P5+1 reached a nuclear deal. "I will certainly travel to Iran, but I don't have concrete travel plans yet," he said.
FM #Steinmeier: #IranDeal ist a good agreement. By this we rule out reliably+verifiably development of nuclear weapons by #Iran. #IranTalks
— GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) July 14, 2015
With the nuclear agreement reached, the international community no longer has fear towards Iran, President Hassan Rouhani said. He also insisted that the international sanctions were not a major factor in reaching the deal.
I'm pleased to announce that after 23 months of negotiations this admin managed to reach a new point, a new chapter in history #IranDeal.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) July 14, 2015
After @POTUS speaks, @JohnKerry will hold a press conference from #IranTalksVienna on the #IranDeal
— Marie Harf (@marieharf) July 14, 2015
Many people prayed for the #negotiating team during the holy month of Ramadan; I'm privileged to announce their prayers have been answered
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) July 14, 2015
Iran President Hassan Rouhani addresses nation on conclusion of nuclear talks #IranDealhttp://t.co/uZFhlny0lgpic.twitter.com/J2rtjuNsGP
— Press TV (@PressTV) July 14, 2015
"This deal offers an opportunity to move in a new direction. We should seize it." —@POTUS#IranDealpic.twitter.com/mpZCWkhR3b
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 14, 2015
"I have made clear to the Iranian people that we will always be open to engagement on the basis of mutual interests and...respect" —@POTUS
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 14, 2015
Here’s the #video of #Iran and the #IAEA signing the road-map today: http://t.co/YPlkodELf3#IranTalks#IranTalksVienna
— IAEA (@iaeaorg) July 14, 2015
“@ThomasErdbrink: U.S. President Barack #Obama live on #Iran state TV right now pic.twitter.com/xMUqpoES14” #IranDeal#IranTalks
— Tesa Arcilla (@TesaArcilla) July 14, 2015
P5+1 & #Iran reached agreement, bringing insight & accountability to nuclear program - not for small # of yrs, but lifetime of program.
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) July 14, 2015
US President Barack Obama said that Iran’s deal is based not on trust, but on verification.
"We give nothing up by testing whether or not this problem can be solved peacefully" —@POTUS: http://t.co/3PJ1t0Zk7U#IranDeal
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 14, 2015
"I will veto any legislation that prevents the successful implementation of this deal." —@POTUS#IranDealpic.twitter.com/0CbMDkgkIL
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 14, 2015
Agreement is a step away from specter of conflict, towards possibility of peace. This is the good deal we have sought pic.twitter.com/JY9YSZrPQs
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) July 14, 2015
Syria’s President Bashar Assad has congratulated Iran on the nuclear deal, according to state news agency SANA.
"Because of this deal, Iran will remove two-thirds of its installed centrifuges" —@POTUS#IranDealpic.twitter.com/I6e8uvuchf
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 14, 2015
"Every pathway to a nuclear weapon is cut off." —@POTUS: http://t.co/3PJ1t0Zk7U#IranDealpic.twitter.com/stPeYR1iri
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 14, 2015
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said that the result of the deal is “the result of a collective effort.”
“No one ever thought it would be easy. Historic decisions never are. But despite all twists and turns of the talks, and the number of extensions, hope and determination enabled us to overcome all the difficult moments. We have always been aware we had a responsibility to our generation and the future ones.”
"A comprehensive, long-term deal with Iran that will prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon." —@POTUS on the #IranDeal
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 14, 2015
.@PHammondMP welcomes the historic Iran nuclear deal reached in Vienna today. http://t.co/JNNQMaqsiD
— Foreign Office (FCO) (@foreignoffice) July 14, 2015
US President Barack Obama makes statement on Iran nuclear deal.
"This deal meets every single one of the bottom lines...we established when we achieved a framework earlier this spring" —@POTUS#IranDeal
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 14, 2015
#IAEA Director General Amano briefing #Press after signing road-map with #Iran today #IranTalks#IranTalksViennapic.twitter.com/y8mGA57g5r
— IAEA (@iaeaorg) July 14, 2015
It's conclusion of negotiations but not the end of common work. We will keep doing this important task together @FedericaMog#IranDeal 6/6
— Catherine Ray (@CatherineEUspox) July 14, 2015
The Turkish finance minister says the deal is "great news" for the Turkish economy and is likely to boost bilateral trade.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia welcomes the Iran nuclear deal. He says the negotiators made a firm choice in favor of stability and cooperation despite attempts to justify use of force against Iran. The P5+1 agreement with Iran is also important in light of Russia's peaceful nuclear cooperation with Tehran, he added.
The deal is also expected to create new prospects for the development of Russian-Iranian relations, incl. some major joint projects
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) July 14, 2015
Putin believes the deal will contribute to combating terrorism in the Middle East.
The negotiated settlement will strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation regime and will have a positive impact on overall security
— MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) July 14, 2015
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius says a UN Security Council resolution to endorse the Iran nuclear deal will be passed "a matter of days."
Russia will take an active part in re-purposing the Fordow nuclear site in Iran, said Lavrov.
#IranTalks done. We have the agreement. #IranDeal
— Federica Mogherini (@FedericaMog) July 14, 2015
The deal complies with Russia's Foreign Policy Concept, said Lavrov, adding that Moscow awaits the cancelation of missile defense plans from Washington following the Iranian agreement.
The Iranian nuclear agreement contains five detailed technical appendices, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, adding that a draft UNSC resolution has also been prepared
According to Lavrov, all sanctions should be lifted from Iran, which has a right to a peaceful nuclear program.
French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius believes that Iran nuclear deal will last for at least 10 years.
France's stance "of constructive firmness enabled a sufficiently robust agreement, at least for the period of the first 10 years," Fabius told French Le Monde newspaper. "It is in this spirit that we will watch over its implementation."
"What happened today was ending an unnecessary crisis ... we have reached a historical moment ... It is not a comprehensive agreement for all parties involved but it is the best achievement possible that could be reached," Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said.
EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said that the decision Iran and P5+1 reached “opens the way to a new chapter in international relations and show that diplomacy, coordination, cooperation can overcome decades of tensions and confrontations.”
“I think this is a sign of hope for the entire world and we all know that this is very much needed in these times.”
#IranTalks| Press conference at 12h30 @ACV in Vienna. Joint Statement to be delivered by @FedericaMog and @JZarif
— Catherine Ray (@CatherineEUspox) July 14, 2015
US President Barack Obama will make a statement on the Iran nuclear agreement at 11:00 GMT.
SCHEDULE UPDATE: @POTUS will deliver a statement on Iran at 7am Eastern time. #IranTalks#IranDeal
— Marie Harf (@marieharf) July 14, 2015
Iran’s sanctions may be lifted from the first half of 2016, a French source told AFP.
Will be addressing the nation shortly re #IranDealpic.twitter.com/HZMFiJdZwc
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) July 14, 2015
#IranTalks@FedericaMog The decision we are going to take is much more than a nuclear deal. It can open a new chapter pic.twitter.com/7bdy3bhmQM
— Catherine Ray (@CatherineEUspox) July 14, 2015
#Photo: #IAEA DG Amano & Vice-President of #Iran Ali Akbar Salehi after signing the road-map today #IranTalksViennapic.twitter.com/f8B9B1o6HF
— IAEA (@iaeaorg) July 14, 2015
Oil prices continued to slide Tuesday as Iran and six world powers reached a conclusive deal on Iran’s nuclear program.
Brent futures for August fell $1.25, or 2.16 percent, trading at $56.60 a barrel at 12:22 MSK. US light crude West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was down $1.13, or 2.16 percent, at $51.07 a barrel.
Just now, Iran and @iaeaorg agree to accelerate cooperation with aim to fully resolve all prior issues. #IranTalkspic.twitter.com/MjtKsfCvsO
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) July 14, 2015
#IAEA Statement/Road-map for Clarification of Past/Present Outstanding Issues on #Iran's #Nuclear Program https://t.co/Qak8Bg3HLn#IranTalks
— IAEA (@iaeaorg) July 14, 2015
#IranDeal shows constructive engagement works. With this unnecessary crisis resolved, new horizons emerge with a focus on shared challenges.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) July 14, 2015
#Zarif: We are building a new chapter, we should thank our colleagues - LIVE http://t.co/SYnjBEMH2Npic.twitter.com/K97Df7IWZm
— RT (@RT_com) July 14, 2015
"All of Iran's nuclear facilities will continue working. None will be stopped or eliminated ... Iran will continue enrichment ... Research and development on key centrifuges (IR6, IR5, IR4, IR8) will continue," IRNA said.
#IranTalks@FedericaMog The decision we are going to take is much more than a nuclear deal. It can open a new chapter pic.twitter.com/RnPs5l5bLQ
— Sabrina Bellosi (@sabellosi) July 14, 2015
Met with @FedericaMog and @JZarif this AM. Still have difficult issues to resolve. #IranTalksVienna
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) July 11, 2015
Ministers from the P5+1, the EU, and Iran this morning at the #IranTalksVienna. Final plenary about to start. pic.twitter.com/dkIC2vrR5n
— Marie Harf (@marieharf) July 14, 2015
Iran agreed to a 15-year moratorium on enriching uranium beyond 3.67 percent. The enrichment would be conducted only at the Natanz facility, while the Fordo facility would not conduct any enrichment activities or store fissile material, TASS reports. Iran also agreed to store no more than 300 kg of low-enriched uranium.The Arak reactor would not be used to produce plutonium under the deal. The spent fuel would be handled by international mediators.
Iran and P5+1 group are to hold ministerial-level meetings at least twice a year to evaluate how the agreement is being implemented, according to the draft document, as cited by RIA Novosti.
#IranTalks Family photo before last plenary @FedericaMogpic.twitter.com/Ye1YURip88
— Sabrina Bellosi (@sabellosi) July 14, 2015
Iranian press taking pictures in the room where the deal should be announced soon #IranTalkspic.twitter.com/VPAN9Qg0Ot
— Anna Ivanchenko (@Anna_Iva_RT) July 14, 2015
Tehran and the P5+1 have reached a "good" deal, an Iranian official told PressTV.
"Iran is going to receive a sure path to nuclear weapons,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding that many of the restrictions “that were supposed to prevent it from getting there will be lifted.”
"Iran will get a jackpot, a cash bonanza of hundreds of billions of dollars, which will enable it to continue to pursue its aggression and terror in the region and in the world. This is a bad mistake of historic proportions," Netanyahu said.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has signed a roadmap with Iran to resolve the issues on Tehran’s nuclear program, agency Director General Yukiya Amano said.
“By 15 December 2015, the director general will provide... the final assessment on the resolution of all past and present outstanding issues.”
He added that access to Iran's Parchin military site is a part of another “arrangement."
#IranTalks UPDATE: Final plenary of EU/P5+1 & Iran at 10:30 am Vienna time at UN. Will be followed by a press conference at Austrian Center.
— Marie Harf (@marieharf) July 14, 2015
National Iranian American Council President Trita Parsi said that the deal means that diplomacy “has triumphed and war is off the table.”
“To get here, the road has been difficult. The hurdles were immense. But the patience and persistence of all parties shows that peace is possible when diplomats are allowed the necessary room to resolve conflict and achieve compromise.”
She added that the deal “provides the Iranian people with the space to push Iran in the right direction: an Iran that respects human rights, pursues moderate policies internally and externally, and provides its people with the freedoms and opportunities that are their true inalienable rights.”
Final plenary of E3/EU+3 and Iran at 10h30 at the UN. Will be followed by a press conference at the Austrian Center Vienna #IranTalks
— Catherine Ray (@CatherineEUspox) July 14, 2015
The UN-imposed arms embargo against Iran is to remain in force for five years, while the restrictions on rocket technology exchange are to be kept for eight years it said, citing diplomatic sources, Reuters reported.
The deal between Tehran and P5+1 (the United States, the UK, France, Germany, Russia and China) was confirmed by a European diplomat, who told TASS that it would be announced “soon.”
“It was difficult work. The arguing continued throughout the night. At times it was heated, with occasional shouting. But the result should be worth all of that,” a source in the German delegation said.
The press are starting to arrive at Vienna's Austria Centre for the announcement of the Iran nuclear deal. #IranTalkspic.twitter.com/FZRpRXsyhB
— Polly Boiko (@Polly_Boiko) July 14, 2015
The news that the deal was reached was first reported to Reuters by Iranian diplomat
"All the hard work has paid off and we sealed a deal. God bless our people," the diplomat told Reuters on condition of anonymity.