Kerry: Comprehensive Agreement, a Reliable Solution for Resolving Iran's Nuclear Program

John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, considered the achievement of a nuclear agreement a vital step towards non-proliferation of nuclear weapons that brings peace. On Tuesday, July 12, in his speech following the announcement of the nuclear agreement, he stated that the agreement reached with Iran ensures that Iran's breakout time for nuclear weapons will be extended to one year and will last for ten years. Kerry said, 'Iran has agreed to dismantle all its advanced centrifuges and will only use first-generation centrifuges for enrichment at a level of 3.5% for the next 15 years, under agency supervision.' According to the U.S. Secretary of State, to ensure that Iran will not secretly pursue the construction of nuclear weapons, inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be allowed regular access to Iran's nuclear facilities. Kerry explained that the inspectors' access will not only be to Iran's nuclear facilities but also to the entire chain related to its nuclear program. As the U.S. Secretary of State explained, without this agreement and at the beginning of the negotiations, Iran's breakout time was 2 to 3 months; however, with this agreement, that time will be extended to one year. He added, 'Today's comprehensive agreement provides a more comprehensive and reliable solution for resolving Iran's nuclear case.' Kerry emphasized that the nuclear agreement with Iran is based not on mutual trust but on verification, with specific mechanisms in place for this verification. John Kerry also stated that the United States will continue its efforts regarding Iran's actions in the region. He also urged Iran to release American citizens imprisoned in Iran, saying, 'We emphasize that we want them to be returned home.' The negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 finally concluded on Tuesday, July 12, after 22 months of intensive discussions following Hassan Rouhani's rise to power. According to the comprehensive and final agreement between Iran and the world powers, in exchange for limiting Iran's nuclear program, international sanctions against the country will be lifted. This agreement is set to be sent for approval to the capitals of Iran and the United States and will be implemented after being approved by the U.S. Congress and the Iranian Parliament.