Busy week of diplomacy in Tehran

Iran media imagery of diplomacy being conducted during the past week in Tehran:

President of Iraq Faud Masum (L) with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (R), dated 24NOV15 on sidelines of GECF in Tehran.

Left to right: First Vice President of Iran Eshaq Jahangiri, Prime Minister of Algeria Abdelmalek Sellal and Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (R), dated 24NOV15 on sidelines of GECF in Tehran.

President of Bolivia Evo Morales (L) with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (R), dated 24NOV15 on sidelines of GECF in Tehran.

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow (L) with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (R), dated 23NOV15 on sidelines of GECF in Tehran.

President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari (L) with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (R), dated 23NOV15 on sidelines of GECF in Tehran.

President of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro (L) with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (R), dated 23NOV15 on sidelines of GECF in Tehran.

President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin (L) with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei (R), dated 23NOV15 on sidelines of GECF in Tehran.

President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin (L) with President of Iran Hassan Rouhani (R), dated 23NOV15 on sidelines of GECF in Tehran.

Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov (L) with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (R), dated 24NOV15 on sidelines of GECF in Tehran.

President of Bolivia Evo Morales (L) with with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (R) on 24NOV15 in Tehran

Foreign Minister of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn (L) with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani (R) on 24NOV15 in Tehran

Group photo of leaders and ministers attending third Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Tehran

Maja Gojkovic, President of the National Assembly of Serbia with Ali Larijani, Speaker of Parliament of Iran, dated 23NOV15 in Tehran

Maja Gojkovic, President of the National Assembly of Serbia, with Eshaq Jahangiri, First Vice President of Iran, dated 23NOV15 in Tehran.

Maja Gojkovic, President of the National Assembly of Serbia, with Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Minister of Iran, dated 23NOV15 in Tehran.

Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Erlan Idrissov (L) with Mohammad Javad Zarif, Foreign Minister of Iran, dated 23NOV15 in Tehran.

Crispin Blunt, head of the Foreign Relations Committee of the British Parliament, with Ali Larijani, Speaker of Parliament of Iran, dated 21NOV15 in Tehran

Photos: Islamic Republic News Agency, Khamenei.ir and Ali Abbaspour at Fars News Agency

Rouhani Speaks Out against Recent Wave of Arrests in Iran

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a speech broadcast live today, spoke out against a recent wave of arrests by the IRGC Intelligence department aimed at crippling U.S. influence in the country. Five activists and journalists have been arrested in recent days by the secretive intelligence unit.

“We cannot have the security officers to be the judge of the press. We need clear media rules and regulations,” Rouhani said. (The New York Times, 8 November)

After the approval of the nuclear agreement, JCPOA, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has repeatedly warned against what he calls attempts by U.S. and other Western powers to “infiltrate” the country and “spread their influence.”  Since the speeches began, IRGC Intelligence has arrested the five journalists. A spokesman for the intelligence unit has appeared on live TV to accuse the journalists to have worked, some “unwittingly,” for the CIA.

Rouhani says the hardliners “misuse” Khamenei’s words “to detain and frighten opponents.” Iran will hold elections for the Majlis and the Assembly of Experts in late February. Accusing personalities associated with the camp of being the “infiltrating” agents of the U.S. would help the hardliners to disqualify moderate candidates from running in the elections.

In his speech, Rouhani also accused hardline media outlets of acting as “undercover police” and said, “they even tell their audience who is going to be arrested tomorrow.” He added the main hardline outlets are receiving official protection while making accusations against their political rivals.

Photo: The New York Times

Iran Marks Anniversary of 1979 U.S. Embassy Takeover

Thousands of Iranians today rallied to celebrate the anniversary of the 1979 hostage-taking at the U.S. embassy in Tehran, as hardliners warned against the “infiltration” of the country by the American and Western supporters, and chanted “Death to America.”

The U.S. embassy was sacked by hardliners in early days of the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The ensuing U.S. hostage crisis lasted 444 days and Washington and Tehran have yet to restore diplomatic ties.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a speech yesterday marking the anniversary of embassy takeover and hostage-taking warned the Iranians against trusting the United States in the aftermath of the historic nuclear reached earlier this year. Khamenei also warned against improving and normalizing relations with the U.S. On the streets, some protesters dragged a coffin marked “Obama.” He situation in Iran

“Western countries, especially the United States are trying to take advantage of the situation in Iran after the nuclear deal to normalize relations with Tehran and infiltrate the country,” said IRGC in a statement marking the occasion. (Fars News Agency, 3 November)

Photo: A scene from today's anti-American demonstrations in Tehran, marking the anniversary of 1979 embassy takeover and hostage taking; 4 November 2015 (Ali Abbaspour/Fars News Agency/Twitter)

Khamenei Approves JCPOA

Cautions against Sanctions; Attacks Obama for Regime Change Policy

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei today gave his final approval to the JCPOA, the nuclear deal with world powers. In a letter to President Rouhani, announcing his approval of JCPOA, Khamenei cautioned against the “ambiguities and structural frailties” of the agreement that “can bring huge damages” to Iran. He also harshly attacks President Obama for “lies” about not being after regime change in Tehran and the U.S. behavior at nuclear negotiations for advancing “hostile policies” against the Islamic Republic. (@khamenei_ir/Twitter, 21 October)

In the letter, Khamenei demands that President Obama and the EU issue written orders for complete removal of all sanctions against Iran. He adds that “throughout the 8-year term of JCPOA, imposition of any sanctions at any level and under any pretext (including repetitive and fabricated excuses like terrorism and human rights) from any of the negotiating countries, will be considered as the violation of JCPOA, Iranian government is obliged to take necessary measures and cease implementation of the JCPOA.” 

The latter could be problematic for the implementation of the agreement, as the JCPOA does not deal with issues of human rights and terrorism in Iran. It specifically lifts only the nuclear-related sanctions imposed by the UN, the U.S. and EU against the country. In facts signatories like the U.S. maintain non-nuclear sanctions that predate the ones imposed against the Iranian nuclear program.

Khamenei reiterates that the reconfiguration of Arak (IR-40) heavy water reactor and shipping out the country’s current stockpile of higher-enriched uranium could only begin after the IAEA certifies that the Iranian nuclear program never had any possible military dimensions (PMD). IAEA is to file its final report on PMD on 15 December. Based on the agreement, if IAEA does not clear Iran on PMD issue, the JCPOA could not be implemented anyway.

In his letter, Khamenei harshly attacked the United States and President Obama. He said Obama’s claims in his two letters to him that he was not after regime change in Iran “proved as a lie.” Khamenei did not explain what actions Obama has taken that could be seen as attempts to overthrow the Islamic Republic. He also attacked the U.S. behavior during the nuclear negotiations that led to JCPOA, saying “U.S. deceptive involvement in nuclear talks has been intended to advance their hostile policies towards Iran.” He did not explain what those hostile policies were and why did he approve an agreement that had hostilities toward Iran at its root.

Khamenei: ‘If any war happens…’

On Sunday, the official Twitter account of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei uploaded a video with his voiceover entitled, “If any wars happens…” (@khamenei_ir)

“This gentleman (President Obama) has said he can destroy Iranian military,” Khamanei is heard as saying. “But should any war break out, one who will emerge humiliated out of it, will be invading and criminal America.” (Twitter/@khamanei_ir, 13 September)

Video credit: @khamanei_ir/YouTube)

Austrian president in Tehran, eager for economic ties with Iran

Austrian President Heinz Fischer arrives at Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran on the afternoon of 07SEP15. Flight details provided below (source: Flightradar24):

Austrian President Fischer and his delegation flew to Tehran aboard chartered Austrian Airlines Airbus A320-214, reg. OE-LBO (cn 776).

This particular Airbus aircraft named "Pyhrn-Eisenwurzen" for the region in the Alps of southern Upper Austria.

A 240-member delegation accompanying President Fischer, seeking economic ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran following the signing of JCPOA and the prospect of sanctions being rescinded.

Austrian President Heinz Fischer accompanied by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, for review of the Artesh honor guard.

Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, on 08SEP15 at the Sa'dabad Palace in Iran.

Speaking from Tehran, according to Reuters:

The West should involve Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the fight against Islamic State, Austria's foreign minister said on Tuesday, breaking with the view of most Western powers that say Assad is the source of the problem.

Sebastian Kurz's comments, during a state visit to Iran, reflect what some European diplomats have said privately for months, but they also expose a divide among Western countries on how to deal with Assad and the rise of hardline fighters four years into a war that has killed a quarter of a million and driven 11 million from their homes.

According to PressTV:

"We need a pragmatic common approach in this respect including the involvement of Assad in the fight against ISIL," said Austria's Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz on Tuesday during a state visit to Tehran.

"In my opinion the priority is the fight against terror. This will not be possible without powers such as Russia and Iran," noted Kurz.

Austrian Federal Minister of Science, Research and Economy Reinhold Mitterlehner with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, on 08SEP15 at the Sa'dabad Palace in Iran.

Austria's Federal Minister of Science, Research and Economy Reinhold Mitterlehner is among the delegation in Tehran, engaged in talks for drafting the 2020 cooperation plan which covers areas such as energy, industries, transportation, science, and culture. [source: Trend]

According to Reuters:

Austrian companies signed a series of deals with Iranian partners on Tuesday, becoming the first Western firms to put down concrete stakes in the Islamic Republic since it reached a landmark nuclear deal with big powers in July.

Austrian businesses in industries including car parts, information technology and engineering sealed agreements worth 80 million euros ($89 million) at an economic forum in Tehran, Austrian Chamber of Commerce chief Christoph Leitl said.

[T]he partly state-owned Austrian energy group OMV was… making contacts as part of the delegation.

The WKO's Leitl said seven more Austrian trade missions to Iran were scheduled for the second half of the year.

 

Austrian Federal Minister of Science, Research and Economy Reinhold Mitterlehner speaking before the Iranian Parliament, on 08SEP15 in Tehran. To Mitterlehner's left is Christoph Leitl, president of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (Wirtschaftskammer Österreich - WKO).

Note the Iranian Parliament slogan for the event: "Advantage Austria, Iran: Unparalleled Potential".

Austrian President Heinz Fischer with Major General Gregor Keller, Military Adjutant of the Austrian President, on 08SEP15 at the Iranian Parliament building.

Austrian President Heinz Fischer with Sadeq Ardeshir Amoli Larijani, Chief Justice of Iran on 08SEP15 in Tehran

Austrian President Heinz Fischer with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, on 08SEP15 in Tehran.

It is rare for a Western head of state to be received by Khamenei.

According to PressTV:

During the meeting [with Khamenei], which was also attended by Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, the Austrian president assessed as good his negotiations with Iranian officials.

Fischer said the two countries should hold more dialogue on the issues of mutual interest to finalize agreements.

The Austrian president added that he had held good talks with the Iranian president and expressed optimism about the prospect of mutual relations between Tehran and Vienna.

First Lady of Austria Margit Fischer among the delegation, seen here touring the Carpet Museum of Tehran

Photos: Islamic Republic News Agency and Meghdad Madadi at Tasnim News Agency

Sistani Questions Soleimani’s Intervention in Iraqi Politics - Report

Ashaq Alawsat reported Monday that Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani had sent a message to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei criticizing Quds Force Commander Gen. Qasem Soleimani’s role in Iraqi politics. The report said Sistani questioned Khamenei “whether (Soleimani’s interventions in Iraqi politics) had happened under Khamenei’s instruction or through Soleimani’s own independent actions.” (Ashaq Alawsat/Now, 7 September)

In late August, Gen. Soleimani appeared at a meeting of Iraqi National Alliance parliamentary coalition of Shia parties, reportedly criticizing Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi’s proposed reforms, especially Abadi’s plans to sack former PM Nouri al-Maliki. The meeting ended with an acrimonious exchange between Soleimani and Abadi. Ashaq Alawsat had reported on 26 August that Abadi “objected strongly” when Soleimani criticized the reforms he was pushing through parliament.

Sistani’s frustration over Soleimani’s role in Iraq manifests differences between Najaf clerical establishment and the Islamic Republic. Sistani has forcefully defended Abadi’s reform proposals and Soleimani’s public criticism of the reforms, in a meeting attended by the prime minister and over 70 Shia MPs, has broken protocols of public deference to Sistani, Iraqi Shia spiritual leader, which could affect Najaf’s historic role.

Among recent differences between Sistani and the Iranians is Sistani’s insistence that fighting corruption is a religious and legal duty of all Shias, including the trial of Maliki if needed. Soleimani's, and probably Khamenei's, approach to Abadi’s reform focuses on the political dimensions of the issue, thinking holding to account of corrupt figures, i.e. Maliki, would undermine Shia power in the country.

After a report by the Iraqi parliament on 17 August blamed Maliki and top commanders for the fall of Mosul to ISIL last year, Iran extended Maliki a show of support, hosting him for a visit to Tehran on 19 August, two days after the parliamentary report. During his visit, Maliki met with Khamenei, with photos of the event widely published by the media.

Photo credit: Portrait of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraq’s Shia spiritual leader (Ahmad al-Rubaya/AFP)

White House: Sanctions Relief Only if Iran Complies with All Requirements of JCPOA

The White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on Thursday that Iran will only see sanctions relief if it complies with all the requirements of JCPOA, the nuclear deal with world powers.

The comments came hours after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that Iran would only suspend its nuclear activities if sanctions were not lifted completely. JCPOA says sanctions relief kicks in as Iran dismantles and redesigns parts of its program, and not just suspending them.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State John Kerry said Iran will be required to live up to the agreement in full before it starts benefitting from sanctions relief.

Khamenei Calls for Majlis Review of Nuclear Deal

If Sanctions Are Not Lifted Completely, Iran Will Only Suspend Its Nuclear Program - Khamenei

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei today backed a parliamentary vote on the nuclear deal, and demanded lifting of all sanctions before Iran dismantles any parts of its nuclear progarm.

“I believe, and I have said it to President (Rouhani), that it is not right to sideline the Majlis (Iranian parliament) on the (nuclear) deal,” Khamenei said. “I am not saying how the review should proceed or whether the lawmakers should approve the deal or reject it. It is up to them, as representatives of the people, to decide.” (IRNA, 3 September)

Khamenei made the remarks a day after President Obama gathered enough supporters in the United States Senate to veto an expected disapproval vote on the deal by Congress and sustain it.

In his speech today, Khamenei also said that as part of the deal sanctions should be lifted completely, and not just suspended.

“Sanctions imposed on Iran should be lifted and not only suspended… If not, then we will only suspend our nuclear activities,” Khamenei said. (IRIB/IRNA, 3 September)

The nuclear agreement, JCPOA, would suspend sanctions in phases as Iran complies with its commitments to dismantle/redesign different parts of its nuclear program, and will remove them completely upon full compliance by Iran of all its commitments. Khamenei’s call today for lifting of all sanctions completely before Iran makes concrete steps to dismantle/redesign parts of the program could probably bring about the collapse of the JCPOA.

Now the most likely course of action is for the Majlis to approve a revised version of the deal, incorporating Khamenei's conditions, which would probably not be acceptable to P5+1. Khamenei made his stance on the issue clear today, and the Majlis will be expected to follow him.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani had earlier said that the Majlis review of the deal was not required or necessary and instead he had sent the agreement to the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) for review, where an approval was expected.

Photo credit: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei flanked by country’s senior leaders; Tehran, 3 September 2015 (Fars News Agency)

Khamenei Chastises ‘Arrogant’ U.S.

U.S. Policies in Region ‘Diametrically Opposed’ with Iran

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said today Iran’s stance toward the “arrogant” U.S. will not change despite the nuclear deal reached earlier this week. In a speech marking Eid Fetr, the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Khamanie said Iran would continue its policy in the region despite the deal.

“Whether the [nuclear] deal is approved or disapproved [in Majlis], we will never stop supporting our friends in the region and the people of Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Bahrain and Lebanon,” Khamenei said.

“Even after this deal our policy toward the arrogant U.S. will not change,” Khamenei added. “We have repeatedly said we don’t negotiate with the U.S. on regional or international affairs; not even on bilateral issues.”

“There are some exceptions like the nuclear program that we negotiated with Americans to serve our interests… U.S. policies in the region are diametrically opposed with Iran’s policies.”

“The Americans say they stopped Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon,” Khamenei said during his speech at the Mosala mosque in Tehran. “They know it’s not true. We had a fatwa [religious ruling] declaring nuclear weapons to be religiously forbidden under Islamic law.” (IRNA/BBC, 18 July)

The attendees repeatedly responded by chanting, "Death to America!" This was an angry speech and an angry celebration of the Eid that marked the end of Ramadan.

Photo credit: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaking to supporters on Iran-U.S. relations; Tehran, 18 July 2015 (EPA/BBC)

Iran’s leadership comments on JCPOA

 

Above: nuclear negotiators Zarif and Salehi are to address parliament on 21JUL15 to brief lawmakers on JCPOA [source: IRNA]

Review of select comments made by Iran’s leadership the past two days concerning JCPOA:

"Reaching a deal is a significant step, but the text of the deal should be carefully scrutinized and the legal procedures should be taken so when the deal is ratified the other side cannot breach it." —Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader [source: IRNA]

"Some of the members of the P5+1 are not trustworthy… I ask our dear nation to stay calm and united so we can preserve our national interests in a serene and sensible environment." —Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader [source: IRNA]

"This deal is an unprecedented achievement in the history of international affairs as it annuls all the threatening U.N. Security Council resolutions and opens gates for cooperation with Iran even in nuclear energy.” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: IRNA]

"The deal is a big lesson to the region that problems can be solved with negotiations and true participation of people rather than intervention, massacre and terrorism…” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: IRNA]

“Iran’s enrichment and nuclear technology are purely for the development of the country; this enrichment and nuclear technology will not be against any country in the region or the world.” — Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“We are not hypocritical; if we have given a promise in the framework of…national interests, we will act according to it, provided that the other party fulfills its promises. If the other side does not fulfill its promises, Iran will act on its promises.” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“Protection of nuclear rights, removal of sanctions and constructive engagement with the world have been and will be the basis for negotiations.” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“The world will experience a new page of relations with Iran.” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“Iran’s obligations are balanced, and subject to the obligations of the other side.” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“All economic and UN Security Council sanctions will be canceled on the first day of the implementation of the agreement.” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“Our approach was [to think that] in the world today, threats of others and pressure on others is worthless; all should seek for win-win, mutual respect, common interests, and the attainment of common goals.” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“The nuclear negotiations are the first step toward achieving the [height] of constructive interaction with the world, because in the world today, progress, development, stability, and security in the region and world are not possible without cooperation and coordination.” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will move towards constructive interaction with all countries which respect Iran and want cooperation in the framework of common interests with Iranians…” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“We want to improve our relations with countries which we have a cold relationship…because we know this cooperation is beneficial to everyone.” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“We believe there is third way, and it is the way of cooperation with the world.” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“From the beginning the government had given promises to the people, and we have always followed those promises in the framework of the national interest.” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“More than ever we need economic growth, youth employment, and the development of non-oil exports; and if this occurs, our people will experience an improvement in life and spirituality.” —Hassan Rouhani, President [source: Rouhani.ir]

“[The agreement is] more important than the [Iran-Iraq] War and the liberation of Khorramshahr” —Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Chairman of Expediency Discernment Council [source: Alef.ir]

“[Regarding visits to military facilities] we should not be afraid of visits to some [military] centers. I congratulate the Iranian nation on this great day…” —Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, Chairman of Expediency Discernment Council [source: Alef.ir]

Ali Larijani, Speaker of Parliament said on 15JUL15 that MPs would examine the agreement in a "constructive spirit”. [source: Reuters]

IRIN Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary of the National Security Council of Iran stated the JCPOA was now on top of the council’s agenda. [source: IRNA]

Mohammad Reza Mohseni Sani, head of parliament's security committee said members of parliament would want to examine the implications of the deal for access to a military site at Parchin, saying there appeared to have been a "compromise.” [source: Fars News Agency]

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, Chairman for the Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security of the Islamic Consultative Assembly praised the Iranian negotiating team for observing the Supreme Leader’s redlines for a nuclear deal. He further stated the JCPOA “is acceptable… because the designated redlines [set by the Supreme Leader] have been completely preserved… and that Foreign Minister Zarif will address Parliament sometime next week about the measures the Iranian negotiating team has taken under the nuclear deal. [source: IRIB}

Alireza Zakani, Member of Parliament thanked the nuclear negotiating team while emphasizing the need for Iran to continue securing its national interests.  He noted that Iran has entered “a sensitive phase”, and must prevent “discord” and “polarization” from becoming a pretext for actions contrary to Iran's interests. He added the JCPOA is a testament to Iranian resistance with respect to protecting the nuclear achievements of Iran's scientists. [source: Mashregh News]

Ahmed Tavakoli, Member of Parliament told journalists that “the overall outcome of the completed negotiations has been positive”, and commended the nuclear negotiators for their "perseverance and victory in the negotiating field". [source: Mashregh News]

Mohammad Hassan Asfari, National Security and Foreign Policy (NSFP) Parliamentary Commission member emphasized that pursuant to articles 77 and 126 of the Constitution, all agreements between Iran and other countries must be submitted to parliament, and that the final agreement must therefore be sent to parliament for approval. [source: Mashregh News]

Sayyid Hossein Naqavi, NSFP Parliamentary Commission member said that Parliament will examine the final agreement until it concludes the national interests of Iran are included in the agreement.
He further stated that up to this point, the negotiating has observed the red lines that have been put into place for negotiations with the P5+1. [source: Mashregh News]

Hojjat al Eslam Vahid Ahmadi, NSFP Parliamentary Commission member said the agreement “was a good agreement that protects Iran’s nuclear achievements,” and emphasized that Iran accepted the agreement because all of the sanctions would be removed the day the parties involved fulfilled their obligations. He added that the parliament should prioritize ensuring the agreement removes all sanctions when examining the nuclear agreement. [source: Mashregh News]

Zarif, Kerry to Attend Iran Nuclear Talks in Vienna

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif will travel to Vienna on Saturday to join Secretary of State John Kerry and other top diplomats from P5+1 countries to attempt to reach a comprehensive nuclear deal before the 30 June deadline.

Kerry said on Wednesday that if the Iranians will not carry out the full measure of what was agreed on in Lausanne in April, there won’t be a final agreement. Kerry’s remarks came hours after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a nationally televised address stated major red lines in nuclear negotiations that appear to be in breach of the Lausanne agreement.