Iraqi: Several Important Issues Remain Regarding Sanctions Relief

Abbas Araghchi, a senior member of Iran's nuclear negotiation team, stated that although "many of the contentious issues" regarding the lifting of sanctions against Iran have been resolved, "four or five important topics" still remain. On Saturday night, July 4, in an interview with Islamic Republic Television, Mr. Araghchi mentioned the "simultaneity or correspondence" of actions between Iran and global powers in the final agreement as the main contentious issues in this area. The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that "the principle of simultaneous actions is important for both sides" and expressed hope for reaching "acceptable solutions." Previously, the Associated Press reported that the Islamic Republic and global powers had reached a preliminary agreement on how to lift sanctions against Iran. A member of Iran's nuclear negotiation team stated that an agreement had also been reached on the overall nuclear research and development, but that "timing and progress" in this area remain contentious. Tuesday, July 6, is the deadline for Iran, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, and China to reach a comprehensive and final agreement on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. Although Mr. Araghchi stated that extending this deadline is "not a desirable option for either side," he added that Iran is "not a prisoner of time": "If we reach July 6 and do not achieve what we want and what our red lines are, we prefer to return to Tehran empty-handed rather than have a bad agreement." Nevertheless, the senior nuclear negotiator emphasized that the Iranian team is also "prepared to stay in Vienna." The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister also stated that "the day of agreement" is the day when "the stages of ratifying the agreement in the countries will take place" and "the implementation of actions will also start from that time." Abbas Araghchi emphasized that "on the day of the agreement, all economic and financial sanctions will be lifted" and stated that "from our perspective, the Security Council resolution is the signing of the agreement." According to Mr. Araghchi, the text of the final agreement will consist of 20 main pages and five appendices, totaling 70 to 80 pages.