Kerry: The U.S. Has Fulfilled All Its Commitments to Lift Sanctions on Iran

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry stated on Wednesday, June 16, that Washington has fulfilled all its commitments to lift sanctions on Iran as per last year's nuclear agreement. Kerry mentioned that in response to Iran's repeated criticisms about not receiving all the benefits it was supposed to, the U.S. is willing to provide further explanations regarding permissible and impermissible transactions with Iran. According to the Associated Press, after meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Oslo, Kerry said the U.S. government has adhered to the terms and spirit of the nuclear agreement and has also made efforts to clarify permissible transactions with Iran to foreign companies. He stated, "We have lifted the sanctions we promised to lift and have been faithful to the terms and spirit of this agreement. Additionally, I have personally explained the implications of lifting these sanctions for foreign banks and institutions that, after years of sanctions, naturally have doubts about how to deal with Iran." During this meeting, Kerry also highlighted the importance of Iran's influence on the Syrian government to ensure the transfer and distribution of humanitarian aid and adherence to the ceasefire. One day before the meeting of the two foreign ministers, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of Iran, and Mohammad Javad Zarif had once again accused the U.S. of failing to fulfill its commitments to lift sanctions in exchange for limiting Iran's nuclear activities. The Iranian leader stated that the Americans "did not fulfill a significant part of their commitments, but we have made the upfront payments and have halted 20% enrichment and the activities at Fordow and Arak." U.S. officials have repeatedly emphasized that the reason for the reluctance of foreign banks and major institutions to deal with Iran lies in other issues such as missile tests, support for the Syrian regime and anti-Israeli groups, as well as weaknesses in Iran's financial and commercial regulations. Kerry told reporters that he has repeatedly explained to Iranian officials that encouraging foreign companies to deal with Iran has its limits and added, "In my opinion, the reason for the insistence of the leader and the foreign minister of Iran is that Iran wants to achieve what is intended in the nuclear agreement as soon as possible." The U.S. Secretary of State also stressed that there are areas where the U.S. can demonstrate its goodwill in negotiations and agreements with Iran. He added, "In some cases where there are doubts, the U.S. can create a sense of assurance. For us, demonstrating goodwill for continued negotiations with Iran in the future is very important because we want to show that in this matter and in any other negotiations, we have goodwill. Demonstrating goodwill in implementing the nuclear agreement is important, and I am determined to make this happen." Regarding the situation in Syria, Kerry stated that the ceasefire supported by the Security Council is "very weak and at risk" due to violations of this agreement by regime forces supported by Russian air power in cities like Aleppo. He added, "Russia must understand that our patience is not unlimited and is, in fact, very limited. We have made it clear that if this ceasefire is not implemented properly and accurately, we will not sit idly by in the face of the Syrian forces' aggression supported by Russian aircraft in Aleppo." Kerry also provided explanations about the fight against jihadist and terrorist groups and rejected the claim that the world is engaged in a "clash of civilizations" and a struggle between Islam and the West. He stated, "This is not a clash of civilizations. This is a struggle between civilization and barbarism. It is a struggle between civilization and a combination of medieval brutal policies and today's fascism."