EU says it’s ready to lift Iran sanctions

Europe is prepared to quickly lift sanctions imposed on Iran, as outlined in the interim plan signed between world powers and Tehran in Geneva last month, the Council of the European Union said Monday.

“This agreement is a long-awaited signal of the commitment of all
sides to build trust and reduce tensions and to continue diplomatic efforts towards a comprehensive solution to the major concerns about Iran’s nuclear activities,” the council, comprised of EU foreign ministers, said in a statement Monday following a meeting in Brussels.

The 28-nation bloc added that “swift implementation of the voluntary measures by all sides is now key” and that “Iran has to implement its commitments in good faith.”

Sanctions would be suspended “immediately after the IAEA has verified the implementation of the nuclear-related measures by Iran and on the basis of a recommendation by the High Representative [Catherine Ashton],” the statement read.

The six-month Geneva nuclear deal aims to scale back Tehran’s controversial nuclear program in exchange for an easing of international sanctions, while allowing the sides to negotiate a more comprehensive, long-term agreement.

On Sunday, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said his country would continue nuclear negotiations with world powers, even after pulling out of expert-level talks last week in Vienna on technical details of last month’s deal to protest the US targeting companies it says evaded current sanctions.

Some in the US Senate have lobbied for increased sanctions on Iran as negotiations for a comprehensive deal continue, a move Obama administration officials have warned would sabotage continued talks.

Iran’s deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was expected in Brussels on Tuesday to meet with Ashton and other EU officials.