The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear program announced April 2 reflects extensive progress made in talks between the P5+1 countries and Iran.
Negotiators will work to reach a final deal on Iran’s nuclear program by June 30.
“Many key details will be finalized over the next three months, and nothing is agreed to until everything is agreed,” President Obama said.
U.S. officials have explained aspects of the plan:
- President Obama on framework compliance benefits to Iran: “It demonstrates that if Iran complies with its international obligations, then it can fully rejoin the community of nations, thereby fulfilling the extraordinary talent and aspirations of the Iranian people. That would be good for Iran, and it would be good for the world.”
- Secretary of State John Kerry on Iranian obligations: “Under the parameters, Iran would be required to reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium by 98 percent, and cut the number of installed centrifuges that are or could be used to enrich uranium by more than two-thirds.”
- Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz on technical aspects: “America’s leading nuclear experts at the Department of Energy and its national labs and sites were involved throughout these negotiations, evaluating and developing technical proposals to help define negotiating positions in support of the U.S. delegation.”
- Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew on sanctions: “If Iran fails to abide by its commitments, the sanctions relief is reversible. And we will continue to use all of our available tools, including sanctions, to counter Iran’s support for terrorism, human rights abuses, and destabilizing regional activities.”
Kerry added that every element of the plan is subject to proof.
“Only if Iran lives up to its obligations, as verified by the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency] and by our own eyes and ears, will it receive the relief from sanctions that it needs to end its economic isolation,” Kerry said.
