The P5+1 world powers and Iran have struck a historic deal on Tehran’s nuclear program at talks in Geneva on Sunday. Ministers overcame the last remaining hurdles to reach agreement, despite strong pressure from Israel and lobby groups.
Under the interim agreement, Tehran will be allowed access to $4.2 billion in funds frozen as part of the financial sanctions imposed on Iran over suspicions that its nuclear program is aimed at producing an atomic bomb. In return, Iran has agreed to halt enriching uranium up to 20 percent for six months, but will continue to enrich it to 5 percent.
Iran’s current stockpile of 20 percent-enriched uranium – almost weapons grade – will also be diluted as part of the agreement.
In addition, Tehran will build no nuclear centrifuges or seek to expand its nuclear facilities, agreeing to halt the construction of a reactor in Arak for the next six months.
Iran’s foreign minister, Javad Zarif, called the deal a “major success” and said Tehran would expand its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
