Iran's Reaction to Congressional Resolution: The U.S. Government Must Resolve Discrepancies with the JCPOA

The spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry described the U.S. House of Representatives' resolution banning the sale of Boeing aircraft to Iran as "hostage-taking by internal factions ahead of the presidential elections" and stated that the U.S. government is obligated to remove obstacles to the implementation of the nuclear agreement (JCPOA). According to the state news agency IRNA, Bahram Qasemi said on Friday, July 9: "We do not concern ourselves with internal matters of the U.S. and hold the U.S. government responsible for fulfilling its commitments." Mr. Qasemi emphasized that the U.S. government must remove "anything" that contradicts the Vienna nuclear agreement and that "how they resolve their internal obstacles is the U.S. government's problem." He added: "The sensitivities and hostage-taking by internal factions in the U.S., especially ahead of the presidential elections, are understandable, but undoubtedly the irreparable damage from these internal disagreements and sabotage will ultimately harm themselves." The U.S. House of Representatives, where Republicans hold the majority, passed two new amendments on Thursday aimed at preventing the sale of Boeing passenger aircraft to Iran. According to the Associated Press, members of the House of Representatives voted to add two amendments to the financial services budget bill that could block the sale of Boeing passenger aircraft to Iran. Barack Obama had previously threatened to veto any proposal that would undermine the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers. Following the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, the U.S. President authorized the issuance of passenger aircraft to Iran. In this context, the American aircraft manufacturing company Boeing announced a historic deal with Iran this month. If finalized, this deal would be the largest commercial contract between Iran and the U.S. since the 1979 revolution. Reports indicate that the memorandum between Boeing and Iran involves the sale of 34 wide-body aircraft, 46 narrow-body aircraft for short-haul flights, and 29 Boeing 737 NG (short-range and medium-range) aircraft for Iran Air through "leasing" and credit rental. If this agreement is implemented, the delivery of the ordered aircraft will begin in 2017 and continue until 2025.