WarSclerotic

Iran Daily: Tehran Looks to Extension of Deadline for Nuclear Deal, Makes Concession on Sanctions

By By Scott Lucas June 17, 2015 Via EA World View

Blah, blah, blah, and most of all, blah. (photo credit: Unknown)

(Apparently, more time is needed to lift sanctions. – LS)

Iran’s lead nuclear negotiator has indicated that Tehran is prepared for extension to a June 30 deadline for a comprehensive agreement.

Speaking on Tuesday, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi (pictured) said no deadline would prevent Iran from reaching a “good and favorable” deal with the 5+1 Powers (US, Britain, France, Germany, China, and Russia): “A specific date is not sacred to us.”

Political deputies of Iran and the 5+1 renew discussions in Vienna today on the final draft of the agreement.

Araqchi said that “relatively good but slow progress” was made during the latest round of talks from last Wednesday to Sunday. Technical teams have remained in Vienna for talks over the last 72 hours.

In a notable shift, Araqchi indicated that Iran will not expect sanctions to be lifted immediately on signature of the comprehensive agreement. He said that, due to “some technical and legal procedures”, the restrictions will be removed “on the possible agreement’s implementation date”.

The US said after the announcement of a nuclear framework on April 2 that UN, European Union, and US sanctions would be removed or suspended as soon as the International Atomic Energy Agency verified Iranian compliance with the terms of the final agreement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif initially accepted that interpretation, but Iranian officials — including the Supreme Leader — insisted that the removal of sanctions must occur immediately.