European Union Extends Suspension of Sanctions on Iran

The European Union has extended the suspension of sanctions on Iran for another two weeks, a move that provides the necessary time for the implementation of the nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. Reuters reported on Thursday, January 24, that the suspension of EU sanctions will continue until February 8, although diplomats expect that with the implementation of the nuclear agreement, the sanctions will be definitively lifted before that date. This report refers to a statement from the European Council, which emphasizes that as soon as the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Iran has taken the necessary actions, the council will also lift economic sanctions. Meanwhile, Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, announced that the final stage of removing the core of the Arak reactor has been completed, and on Thursday afternoon, inspectors from the agency will verify it. According to him, only 'one or two small tasks remain that will be completed today or tomorrow,' and thus the implementation of the nuclear agreement will soon begin. A specific date for the implementation of the JCPOA, which Iran and world powers agreed upon six months ago, has not yet been set. However, Reuters quoted a European diplomat stating that 'everything is ready for the lifting of sanctions,' and this will occur once it is determined that Iran has fulfilled its commitments. Previously, Abbas Araqchi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, announced that Mohammad Javad Zarif and Federica Mogherini, the EU's foreign policy chief, will issue a joint statement regarding the implementation of the JCPOA next Saturday or Sunday, after which the foreign ministers of Iran and the 1+5 group will hold a ceremonial meeting. John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, also stated on Wednesday that he believes the implementation of the nuclear agreement will begin soon.