U.S., Iran and world powers reach framework for nuclear deal; Obama calls understanding 'historic'
The United States, Iran and five other world powers on Thursday announced an understanding outlining limits on Iran's nuclear program so it cannot lead to atomic weapons, directing negotiators toward achieving a comprehensive agreement within three months.
Reading out a joint statement, European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said a "decisive step" after more than a decade of negotiations had been achieved. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif followed with the same statement in Farsi. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and the top diplomats of Britain, France and Germany also briefly took the stage behind them.
In a tweet, Kerry said there was an agreement "to resolve major issues on nuclear program. Back to work soon on a final deal."
Mogherini said the seven nations would now start writing the text of a final accord. She cited several agreed-upon restrictions on Iran's enrichment of material that can be used either for energy production or in nuclear warheads. She said Iran won't produce weapons-grade plutonium.
Crucially for the Iranians, economic sanctions related to its nuclear programs are to be rolled back after the U.N. nuclear agency confirms compliance.
President Barack Obama says the U.S. and its negotiating partners have reached a "historic" understanding with Iran over its nuclear program.
Obama was speaking shortly after negotiators in Switzerland announced an understanding outlining limits on Iran's nuclear program. He says that if the framework leads to a final deal, it will make the U.S. and the world safer.
Obama has invested significant political capital in the nuclear negotiations. The talks have strained the U.S. relationship with Israel and deepened tensions with Congress.
One of Obama's toughest challenges will be convincing lawmakers to hold off on legislation that would authorize new sanctions on Iran. The president has warned that the legislation could upend the delicate diplomacy.
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