Iran’s president says nuclear deal achieves goals

‘Constructive interaction,’ not confrontation, brought lifting of international sanctions, Rouhani tells Iranians

By AP 3 August 2015, 1:39 am Edit

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani making a statement following announcement of the Iran nuclear deal, Tuesday, July 14, 2015 in Tehran. (Press TV via AP video)

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani says his country achieved its main goals in the landmark nuclear deal reached with world powers last month.

In a national address late Sunday, he says the accord recognizes Iran’s right to enrich uranium and lifts international sanctions.

He says negotiations between Iran and the six-nation group — the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany — worked because of “constructive interaction” instead of confrontation.

The US Congress and Iran’s parliament will vote on the accord in the coming months before it is implemented.

Western nations have long suspected Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons alongside its civilian program, allegations denied by Tehran, which insists its nuclear activities are for entirely peaceful purposes.