Iraqchi: We Expect the JCPOA to Be Implemented in January

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, who has traveled to Vienna to participate in a meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stated on November 24 that Tehran expects the nuclear agreement with six world powers to enter the implementation phase by early January (two months from now). The IAEA is responsible for verifying the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program. The initial stages of the nuclear agreement will also be carried out under the supervision of this agency. Following the limitation of the nuclear program, international sanctions against Iran will be lifted. The lifting of sanctions will occur on what is referred to as 'Implementation Day.' Some analysts have suggested that the upcoming parliamentary elections in March have increased the Iranian government's desire to implement the 'Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action' as quickly as possible. Among them is Reuters, which noted that Tehran is working hard to fulfill its commitments regarding necessary limitations in its nuclear program as soon as possible. Recently, the U.S. welcomed the publication of the redesign document for the heavy water reactor at Arak, describing it as an important step towards operationalizing Iran's commitments regarding this reactor. Ali Akbar Salehi, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, announced on November 24 a 'contract' with Russia for the sale of 9 tons of 4% uranium. According to the nuclear agreement, Iran must maintain its enriched uranium at around 300 kilograms and a concentration of 3.67% over the next 15 years. Tehran can sell any surplus in exchange for receiving natural uranium from international buyers or dilute it. Abbas Iraqchi met on Tuesday with officials from the IAEA, as well as the U.S. representative to the agency and the Deputy Foreign Policy Chief of the European Union, in Vienna. Reports indicate that the IAEA Board of Governors is set to convene in mid-December (three weeks from now) to discuss the agency's assessment of the 'PMD' (Possible Military Dimensions) and Iran's nuclear program. Iran has called for resolving past issues related to its nuclear program. In this context, Putin lifted the ban on enrichment cooperation with Iran. The U.S. welcomed the publication of the redesign document for the Arak nuclear reactor, and the agreement for the sale of 4% uranium from Iran to Russia has been signed.