Both Iranian and European Union officials are announcing that a deal has been reached regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The announcement comes as talks in Lausanne, Switzerland between Iran and the P5+1 passed the March 31 deadline to come to an understanding before a final comprehensive agreement is completed by June 30th.
Iran President Hassan Rouhani tweeted: ”Solutions on key parameters of Iran nuclear case reached. Drafting to start immediately, to finish by June 30th.”
Secretary of State John Kerry tweeted: “Big day: EU, P5+1, and Iran now have parameters to resolve major issues on nuclear program. Back to work soon on a final deal.” Confirming that the US agreed to the framework.
In a joint press conference a representative of the EU and Foreign Minister of Iran announced the deal with Reuters reporting that “Powers, Iran agree that over two-thirds of Iran’s current enrichment capacity will be suspended, monitored for 10 years: source,” and that “Iran, powers agree that most of Iran’s enriched Uranium stocks will be diluted or shipped abroad.”
Here is the State Department statement on the agreement.
At a quick glance, it appears that Iran has basically given the other side pretty much everything that they were asking. And sanctions are being lifted only after Iran has met its committments — which should (but probably won’t) address the concerns expressed by some members of the US Congress.
Now the domestic political circus can begin in earnest.