Iran hardens its stance less than a week before the deadline for a nuclear deal, with its top leader rejecting a long-term freeze on nuclear research as it ratified a bill banning access to military sites and scientists.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also insists that Iran will only sign a deal if international sanctions are lifted first, which could further complicate the negotiations. The ratified bill, now binding law, calls for all sanctions to be lifted the first day of implementation.
The supreme leader has backed his negotiators amid criticism from hardliners, but his latest remarks may narrow their room to maneuver ahead of a self-imposed June 30 deadline for a potentially ground-breaking deal with world powers that would curb Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for lifting sanctions.
Iran’s constitutional watchdog, known as the Guardian Council, ratified legislation banning access to military sites and scientists, making it binding law, according to state TV.
— AP
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