Iran says key step taken to comply with nuke deal

US Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday that the implementation of the Iranian nuclear deal will take place likely in the coming days. And unlike previous efforts, Washington now believes uniting Assad and rebels in a unity government is critical for defeating the Islamic State.

Araghchi called for a general distinction between U.S. secondary sanctions against Iran and sanctions primarily targeting Iran’s economy and endorsed with close collaboration of the United Nations and the European Union; “the Visa Waiver Program specifically affects non-US citizens visiting Iran”.

An Iranian Emad rocket is test-launched at an undisclosed location in October.

Once the IAEA informs the U.N. Security Council and IAEA board that Iran has met its obligations, all U.N. sanctions resolutions passed between 2006 and 2010 will be terminated.

On November 21, Iran launched another ballistic missile – raising Western concerns and criticism further.

After the return of 10 USA sailors from Iranian custody Wednesday morning, the Obama administration has been eager to claim a diplomatic victory.

Associated Press writer Adam Schreck in Dubai, United Arab Emirates contributed reporting.

The EU said that the suspension would allow for “continuous preparations” for the implementation of the July deal and lifting of the sanctions.

The so-called snapback mechanism is created to allay fears that Iran might fail to keep its promises once sanctions are lifted.

It’s his comment about Iran becoming a “successful regional power … abiding by worldwide norms and global rules”, that is worth looking at. General Ramezan Sharif in late December dismissed the reports of the drills as a “psychological operation”.

Democrats, including some who opposed the nuclear agreement, likened the bill to the Republican-led House’s more than 60 votes to repeal Obama’s healthcare law.

Under the deal, Iran has reduced the number of its centrifuges – fast-spinning machines that enrich uranium – and transferred the bulk of its low-enriched uranium stockpile to Russian Federation.

Iran does have light crudes, but needs them for itself to reduce gasoline imports.

He adds that the International Atomic Energy Agency will build up its capacity to inspect any suspicious activity that violates the nuclear deal. Political tensions are acute in the run-up to crucial elections next month for the country’s parliament, the Majlis, and a powerful body called the Assembly of Experts that has the power to appoint the Supreme leader.

The deal with Iran resolved a decade-long conflict over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program.

Iranian and USA officials have said Implementation Day will come soon, probably by Sunday but possibly earlier.

Iranian state television later released footage of one of the detained men, identified as a USA navy commander, apologising for the incident.

Prospects for exports to the Americas, never a significant market for Iran, appear slim. Iran also continues to hold the Washington Post journalist, a Christian pastor and a former U.S. Marine.

A South Korean refinery source confirmed he did not expect a big increase in Iranian supplies, largely because of plentiful alternatives.

China, the United States, France, Britain, Russia and Germany have agreed to participate in the redesign and the construction of the modernised reactor. But absent evidence of cruelty, the Obama Administration suggested that the sailors had been treated well and released quickly.

US State Department spokesman John Kirby (AFP photo)This January 15, 2011 photo shows the heavy water facility near Arak, Iran.

Within Iran, analysts say, President Rohani wants to ensure the lifting of sanctions under the nuclear deal in order to bolster his party in upcoming parliamentary elections.