With Agency's Confirmation, Iran's Nuclear Sanctions Lifted

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency announced on Saturday evening, January 16, that Iran has taken all steps to begin implementing the JCPOA, and thus the frameworks for the lifting of Iran's nuclear sanctions have been executed. After the finalization of the JCPOA, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif wrote on his Facebook page: "Hello friends, with your support and resistance, the JCPOA has been implemented and the sanctions have been lifted. Now it is our turn to make the best use of the new conditions, united and in harmony, to build a better tomorrow. Be happy and proud." Reports indicate that Zarif and members of the Iranian negotiating team have left Vienna for Tehran. American officials have stated that the plane carrying four released American prisoners has not yet left Iran, but Matthew Trevithick, an American student, has managed to exit Iran. Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, stated that with the lifting of sanctions, "the Iranian nation has achieved its rights." He added that the Islamic Republic of Iran, with its great effort and the backing of the people, the wisdom of its leader, and the support of the president and the government of hope and prudence, has been able to achieve its rights and today we witness the lifting of the oppressive sanctions. He further stated, "Iran has proudly emerged in the international community, and we will continue our peaceful nuclear activities in the direction of national interests." U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz tweeted about the Iran nuclear agreement and how it prevents Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius welcomed the implementation of the JCPOA and expressed hope that Iran would cooperate similarly on other regional issues. John Kerry stated that they welcome Iran's adherence to its commitments and will continue to monitor the process, ensuring Iran's commitments are verified at each stage. The U.S. also lifted sanctions related to the automotive industry. President Barack Obama signed the executive order related to the lifting of economic sanctions on Iran just minutes after the IAEA confirmed Iran's nuclear actions. Lifting these sanctions includes the release of $100 billion of Iran's frozen assets.