Iran Calls New US Ballistic Missile Sanctions Illegitimate

Meanwhile, Iran announced the release of five detained Americans after global inspectors said Tehran is in compliance with a deal to restrict its nuclear program.

“I reiterate the need to be vigilant about the deceit and treachery of arrogant countries, especially the United States, in this (nuclear) issue and other issues”, Khamenei said.

A USA official said the Obama administration wanted to test whether there could be additional cooperation or constructive dialogue between the United States and Iran.

He also said Saturday marked a “milestone” in making sure Iran doesn’t get a nuclear weapon.

As per Business Standard, State Secretary John Kerry said that the USA government will repay $400 million debt and $1.3 billion interest to Iran.

Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian, former U.S. Marine Amir Hekmati and pastor Saeed Abedini were flown from Iran to Switzerland then brought to a U.S. military hospital in Germany, for medical treatment. While Obama emphasized that the US continues to have deep concerns about Iran’s destabilizing actions in the Middle East and its threats to Israel, he also opened up the prospect of Tehran working more cooperatively with the rest of the world.

“An overall number of 28 Iranians were freed or were relieved of judicial restrictions within the framework of the agreement”, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Hossein Jaberi Ansari said in a press conference in Tehran on Monday.

“The UN’s clearance marks a milestone for President Barack Obama, who said this week that his policy of hard-nosed diplomacy backed by onerous penalties had succeeded in keeping the US out of “another war”. Not only did the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declare last summer’s nuclear deal legitimate, unlocking some $100 billion in sanctions relief; Iran released four Americans who have been imprisoned in the country. “We remain steadfast in opposing Iran’s destabilizing behavior elsewhere”, he said.

School girls follow the address of President Hassan Rouhani in Parliament, Tehran on Sunday.

Obama still signaled an optimistic outlook for Iran’s future, calling on “young Iranians” to take advantage of the changing dynamic between the USA and Iranian governments.