Iran Moves Assets in Successful Test of Lifting of Sanctions

In a joint statement, the European Union and Iran said numerous nuclear-related U.S., EU and United Nations sanctions were immediately coming off Iran after it had completed the steps needed to implement last July’s deal. He did not elaborate.

Iran will “deepen its coordination” with the United States to locate a Jewish-American man missing since 2007, President Barack Obama said.

At the same time, the Obama administration took to task 11 individuals and entities involved in the Iranian ballistic missile program and announced new penalties on them.

The freeing of the Americans and the certification of the nuclear deal, both Saturday, marks the beginning of a new era in U.S.-Iranian relations. The US said it also offered clemency to seven Iranians who were held for sanctions violations.

“The fact of being able to lift the sanctions, the fact of having Iran return to the worldwide scene, is a positive element in the region today”.

Netanyahu in a statement Sunday simultaneously reiterated his skepticism of Obama’s ability to make good on that pledge while promising to vigilantly monitor Iran’s compliance. Thursday’s report by the semi-official Fars news agency says the missiles were tested during an army exercise in central Iran.

Rouhani, who has promised that 2016 will be a “year of prosperity” for Iranians, said that following the lifting of sanctions Iran would seek foreign investment of $30-$50 billion annually, to dramatically spur growth to eight percent.

The president said that a strong and confident America could advance its national security now by engaging directly with the Iranian government.

Kerry also said Sunday that the USA and Iran had settled a dispute over $400 million in Iranian money dating back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution and end of diplomatic ties.

The Vienna agreement was nailed down after two years of rollercoaster negotiations following Rouhani’s election.

It also precedes parliamentary elections in Iran next month and presidential elections next year.

HARI SREENIVASAN: Under the agreement, Iranian technicians removed the reactor core at the Arak nuclear site, effectively ending its production of plutonium for a possible weapon.

Amano arrived in Tehran on Sunday as he prepares the introduction of measures giving his agency greater inspection powers in order to ensure any nuclear materials in Iran will only be used for peaceful purposes.