World powers, Iran agree on framework of historic N-deal

Geneva, Apr 3: After marathon talks, the world powers and Iran on April 2 agreed on the framework of a potentially historic deal aimed at scaling back Tehran's nuclear programme and relieving the Islamic Republic from the sanctions.

"We have taken a decisive step. We have reached solutions on key parameters on a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)," High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Frederica Mogherini said at a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif in Swiss city of Lausanne.

"This is a crucial decision laying the agreed basis for the final text of the JCPOA. We can now restart drafting the text and annexes of the JCPOA guided by the solutions developed during these days," she said.

The framework will limit Iran's enrichment capacity, enrichment level and stockpile will be restricted for "specific durations" and "there will be no other enrichment facility than Natanz", Mogherini said.

"Iran's research and development on centrifuges will be carried out on a scope and schedule that has been mutually agreed," she added.

The nuclear facility at Fordow will be converted from an enrichment site to a nuclear physics and technology centre and there will not be any fissile material at Fordow.

The weapons grade plutonium facility will be dismantled. The robust inspections of Iran's uranium supply chain will last for 25 years. Iran has agreed to reduce its current stockpile of about 10,000 kg of low-enriched uranium (LEU) to 300 kg of 3.67 per cent LEU for 15 years.

"An international joint venture will assist Iran in redesigning and rebuilding a modernized heavy water research reactor that will not produce weapons grade plutonium. The spent fuel will be exported," said Mogherini.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) "will be permitted the use of modern technologies and will have enhanced access through agreed procedures including to clarify past and present issues," the EU foreign policy chief said.

The Iranians who have been particularly concerned about the lifting of the sanctions — particularly the financial sector sanctions and the trade sanctions — some of the most draconian sanctions of the UNSC which has crippled their economy, had a major diplomatic success.

PTI