Iranian President Hassan Rouhani made comments on ongoing talks to revive the 2015 nuclear deal in Vienna. Rouhani’s statements came during the weekly inauguration conference where several projects carried out by the Oil Ministry were launched.
Touching upon the latest situation in the Vienna talks, the Iranian President announced that participating countries have reached an agreement to lift all main sanctions imposed on Iran. Hassan Rouhani made the announcement saying “We have taken the chief and major step. The main agreement has been made.” According to his statement, sanctions to be lifted are on oil, petrochemical industry, shipping, insurance, and on the Iran Central Bank.
The agreement came as the fourth round of nuclear talks, which had begun in Vienna on April 6, has ended today. While the parties have agreed on the general framework of the agreements, the details have been put on hold. The next round of nuclear talks will be held in the upcoming week.
Meanwhile, the head of the Iranian negotiating team, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, spoke with reporters prior to his return to Tehran. In his statement, Araqchi stated that they are at the point where the US should make a decision to return to the JCPOA and resume the full implementation of its commitments under the JCPOA and lift all sanctions.
Two days ago, 200 Iranian lawmakers had issued a joint statement rejecting any decision except the termination of all sanctions. Parliamentarians strongly opposed the categorization of sanctions. Previously it had been speculated that the United States offered to lift some sanctions while some others would remain valid.
“The Parliament will not approve of any separation or categorization of the sanctions that would result in the maintenance of part of the economic pressures against the Iranian people and prevention, or disruption, of its economic benefits,” the statement noted.
