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| Iran nuclear deal: historic agreement in Vienna – live updates | Iran nuclear deal: historic agreement in Vienna – live updates |
| (18 days later) | |
| 10.02pm BST | |
| 22:02 | |
| Here’s a summary of the latest on the deal and the reaction to it: | Here’s a summary of the latest on the deal and the reaction to it: |
| That’s it from the live blog today. Thanks for tuning in! | That’s it from the live blog today. Thanks for tuning in! |
| 9.44pm BST | |
| 21:44 | |
| (Mentions of Los Angeles’ Iranian-American community bring to mind Asa Soltan’s song Tehrangeles...) | (Mentions of Los Angeles’ Iranian-American community bring to mind Asa Soltan’s song Tehrangeles...) |
| 9.39pm BST | |
| 21:39 | |
| Iranian Americans are rarely shy about expressing opinions or butting heads over politics, and they wasted no time arguing with each other over the historic nuclear deal struck in Vienna, writes Andrew Gumbel. | Iranian Americans are rarely shy about expressing opinions or butting heads over politics, and they wasted no time arguing with each other over the historic nuclear deal struck in Vienna, writes Andrew Gumbel. |
| Some painted the agreement as a senseless capitulation to the mullahs while others were hopeful their ancestral country may at last be ready to emerge from diplomatic isolation. | Some painted the agreement as a senseless capitulation to the mullahs while others were hopeful their ancestral country may at last be ready to emerge from diplomatic isolation. |
| Within California’s large and prosperous Iranian community, the battle lines hew closely to the political divisions of the United States as a whole – a sign of the level of integration achieved in the 36 years since the revolution that brought many Iranian families to the United States in the first place. | Within California’s large and prosperous Iranian community, the battle lines hew closely to the political divisions of the United States as a whole – a sign of the level of integration achieved in the 36 years since the revolution that brought many Iranian families to the United States in the first place. |
| Iranian Jews, especially Republican Iranian Jews, tend to oppose the deal, while Muslims, especially Democratic Muslims, generally welcome it. | Iranian Jews, especially Republican Iranian Jews, tend to oppose the deal, while Muslims, especially Democratic Muslims, generally welcome it. |
| “I think it’s a disaster, a complete capitulation,” said Sami Kermanian, a real estate investor and former secretary general of the Iranian Jewish Federation. | “I think it’s a disaster, a complete capitulation,” said Sami Kermanian, a real estate investor and former secretary general of the Iranian Jewish Federation. |
| “Every time this administration had an opportunity to come out in support of the people of Iran, they didn’t do it. Every time they were given a chance to strengthen the regime, they did that.” | “Every time this administration had an opportunity to come out in support of the people of Iran, they didn’t do it. Every time they were given a chance to strengthen the regime, they did that.” |
| Read Andrew’s full piece here. | Read Andrew’s full piece here. |
| Related: Iranian Americans are divided in reactions to historic nuclear deal | Related: Iranian Americans are divided in reactions to historic nuclear deal |
| 9.27pm BST | |
| 21:27 | |
| Obama spoke on the phone with King Salman of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday from Air Force One to discuss the newly completed Iran nuclear agreement, the White House said. | Obama spoke on the phone with King Salman of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday from Air Force One to discuss the newly completed Iran nuclear agreement, the White House said. |
| Saudi Arabia has still officially commented on the deal. | Saudi Arabia has still officially commented on the deal. |
| 9.18pm BST | |
| 21:18 | |
| The Intercept interviewed Hadi Ghaemi of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, who is a harsh government critic. Ghaemi said that the deal is likely to alleviate economic suffering among ordinary Iranians. | The Intercept interviewed Hadi Ghaemi of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, who is a harsh government critic. Ghaemi said that the deal is likely to alleviate economic suffering among ordinary Iranians. |
| While he foresees positive outcomes for the country, he said that in the immediate aftermath, “there may be short-term backlash in the form of domestic repression or the flaring of minor conflicts with the US, because the state has built its entire identity and official ideology on the idea of countering American imperialism.” | While he foresees positive outcomes for the country, he said that in the immediate aftermath, “there may be short-term backlash in the form of domestic repression or the flaring of minor conflicts with the US, because the state has built its entire identity and official ideology on the idea of countering American imperialism.” |
| Nonetheless, “the center of gravity is moving towards being pragmatic and engaging once again — the anti-imperialism and confrontational attitude has lost its pull on the people, even those who took part in the revolutions, and has lost all content over the years.” He added that “Iran is never going to become a real ally or friend of the US, but inside the country people say that the same way that China has both economic cooperation and strategic and political rivalry with America, this is what we should also strive have.” | Nonetheless, “the center of gravity is moving towards being pragmatic and engaging once again — the anti-imperialism and confrontational attitude has lost its pull on the people, even those who took part in the revolutions, and has lost all content over the years.” He added that “Iran is never going to become a real ally or friend of the US, but inside the country people say that the same way that China has both economic cooperation and strategic and political rivalry with America, this is what we should also strive have.” |
| 8.58pm BST | |
| 20:58 | |
| Here are a few more photos and videos of celebrations in Iran from social media. There have been reports that celebrants have been ushered home by police in some parts of Tehran. | Here are a few more photos and videos of celebrations in Iran from social media. There have been reports that celebrants have been ushered home by police in some parts of Tehran. |
| Bit of a jig. Just because. #IranDeal #tehran pic.twitter.com/dr8qEur7eE | Bit of a jig. Just because. #IranDeal #tehran pic.twitter.com/dr8qEur7eE |
| پارک وی pic.twitter.com/usQ6zt0T2w | پارک وی pic.twitter.com/usQ6zt0T2w |
| Also lots of cynicism among many people. "We have the feeling everybody is playing with us. I'm celebrating but not happy inside," man says | Also lots of cynicism among many people. "We have the feeling everybody is playing with us. I'm celebrating but not happy inside," man says |
| ونک قطعن الان pic.twitter.com/WmBqz3lckl | ونک قطعن الان pic.twitter.com/WmBqz3lckl |
| #IranDeal #tehran pic.twitter.com/QvTsRb52DQ | #IranDeal #tehran pic.twitter.com/QvTsRb52DQ |
| 8.53pm BST | |
| 20:53 | |
| It has taken many many hours for Saudi Arabia to comment on the nuclear deal, but the state-run Saudi Press Agency is quoting an unnamed Saudi official saying his country supported an agreement to stop Tehran gaining nuclear weapons, but emphasised the importance of a strict inspections regime and the ability to reimpose sanctions. | It has taken many many hours for Saudi Arabia to comment on the nuclear deal, but the state-run Saudi Press Agency is quoting an unnamed Saudi official saying his country supported an agreement to stop Tehran gaining nuclear weapons, but emphasised the importance of a strict inspections regime and the ability to reimpose sanctions. |
| The comments also stressed that sanctions relating to terrorism and violation of international arms treaties would remain intact. It was the first official Saudi reaction to the agreement between major powers and Tehran. | The comments also stressed that sanctions relating to terrorism and violation of international arms treaties would remain intact. It was the first official Saudi reaction to the agreement between major powers and Tehran. |
| 8.32pm BST | |
| 20:32 | |
| When asked by BBC’s Lyse Doucet about Netanyahu’s criticism of the deal, Zarif replied: | When asked by BBC’s Lyse Doucet about Netanyahu’s criticism of the deal, Zarif replied: |
| Asked @JZarif for his response to criticism from @netanyahu - " I think peace is an existential threat for him at this point." #irandeal | Asked @JZarif for his response to criticism from @netanyahu - " I think peace is an existential threat for him at this point." #irandeal |
| 8.19pm BST | |
| 20:19 | |
| The Iran nuclear deal has paved the way for a “broad” coalition to fight the Islamic State group, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said. | The Iran nuclear deal has paved the way for a “broad” coalition to fight the Islamic State group, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said. |
| “It removes the barriers – largely artificial – on the way to a broad coalition to fight the Islamic State (IS) and other terrorist groups,” Lavrov said in a statement on the ministry’s website on Tuesday. | “It removes the barriers – largely artificial – on the way to a broad coalition to fight the Islamic State (IS) and other terrorist groups,” Lavrov said in a statement on the ministry’s website on Tuesday. |
| Read the full story here. | Read the full story here. |
| 7.57pm BST | |
| 19:57 | |
| Here’s more on the meeting between Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Hassan Rouhani and cabinet members: | Here’s more on the meeting between Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, President Hassan Rouhani and cabinet members: |
| UPDATE Leader thanks Iranian nuclear negotiating team Read more: http://t.co/aXKZUCeCYC pic.twitter.com/NofUOIjdyQ | UPDATE Leader thanks Iranian nuclear negotiating team Read more: http://t.co/aXKZUCeCYC pic.twitter.com/NofUOIjdyQ |
| Iranian state TV said the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed his gratitude to the Iranian negotiating team for concluding the deal with world powers in Vienna. | Iranian state TV said the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed his gratitude to the Iranian negotiating team for concluding the deal with world powers in Vienna. |
| Khamenei is said to have voiced his “appreciation and thanked the Iranian nuclear negotiators for their honest and diligent efforts.” | Khamenei is said to have voiced his “appreciation and thanked the Iranian nuclear negotiators for their honest and diligent efforts.” |
| #Iran supreme leader meeting president #Rouhani & his cabinet. pic.twitter.com/6wpbW2owJ3 | #Iran supreme leader meeting president #Rouhani & his cabinet. pic.twitter.com/6wpbW2owJ3 |
| 7.51pm BST | |
| 19:51 | |
| #Iran nuclear negotiating team among jurnos on the plane in Vienna airport. #IranTalksVienna pic.twitter.com/XZWKBcNeI8 | #Iran nuclear negotiating team among jurnos on the plane in Vienna airport. #IranTalksVienna pic.twitter.com/XZWKBcNeI8 |
| 7.46pm BST | |
| 19:46 | |
| Iran deal: the winners and the losers | Iran deal: the winners and the losers |
| Ian Black | Ian Black |
| WINNERS | WINNERS |
| Hassan Rouhani: Iran’s president is by a long way the biggest winner to emerge from the nuclear agreement. Ending Iran’s international isolation is a historic achievement that looks likely to win him a second term in 2017. But he faces resistance from suspicious hardliners who fear that even limited rapprochement with the US and the west will promote demands for domestic change that could undermine a regime dominated by the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. | Hassan Rouhani: Iran’s president is by a long way the biggest winner to emerge from the nuclear agreement. Ending Iran’s international isolation is a historic achievement that looks likely to win him a second term in 2017. But he faces resistance from suspicious hardliners who fear that even limited rapprochement with the US and the west will promote demands for domestic change that could undermine a regime dominated by the supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. |
| Bashar al-Assad: The Syrian president quickly hailed the agreement as a “major turning point” in the history of Iran, the region and the world, calling it a “great victory”. Assad has received military and financial support from Iran since the uprising against him erupted in 2011. Tehran’s enhanced regional position in the wake of the deal will strengthen its demands for recognition as a key player in the Middle East, including in any negotiations about the future of Syria. Assad’s Syrian and Arab enemies, contemplating a war that has already left 210,000 dead and made millions of people homeless, are horrified by the nuclear deal – for exactly these reasons. | Bashar al-Assad: The Syrian president quickly hailed the agreement as a “major turning point” in the history of Iran, the region and the world, calling it a “great victory”. Assad has received military and financial support from Iran since the uprising against him erupted in 2011. Tehran’s enhanced regional position in the wake of the deal will strengthen its demands for recognition as a key player in the Middle East, including in any negotiations about the future of Syria. Assad’s Syrian and Arab enemies, contemplating a war that has already left 210,000 dead and made millions of people homeless, are horrified by the nuclear deal – for exactly these reasons. |
| LOSERS | LOSERS |
| King Salman bin Abdulaziz: Saudi Arabia’s initial silence about the agreement suggests deep anxiety about a rapprochement between the US and Iran, its greatest rival in the region, and a pivot away from the Gulf. The view in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and nearby capitals is that Washington is appeasing Tehran and ignoring their own security concerns – despite the Gulf states’ far greater expenditure on defence. Salman strongly dislikes Iran’s role in Iraq, Syria, Bahrain and Yemen, where the Saudis are attacking Houthi rebels they say are backed by Tehran. | King Salman bin Abdulaziz: Saudi Arabia’s initial silence about the agreement suggests deep anxiety about a rapprochement between the US and Iran, its greatest rival in the region, and a pivot away from the Gulf. The view in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and nearby capitals is that Washington is appeasing Tehran and ignoring their own security concerns – despite the Gulf states’ far greater expenditure on defence. Salman strongly dislikes Iran’s role in Iraq, Syria, Bahrain and Yemen, where the Saudis are attacking Houthi rebels they say are backed by Tehran. |
| Binyamin Netanyahu: Israel’s prime minister had vowed to stop a nuclear agreement between the US and Iran. Not only did he fail to do that but he caused serious damage to Israel’s prized strategic relationship with Washington. Critics at home say he exaggerated the extent of an Iranian threat, some calling for his resignation. Iran has been notoriously hostile to the Jewish state since the 1979 revolution and highlights its support for the Palestinians, including Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Nothing in the Vienna agreement suggests that will change. Israel also fears Iran may be emboldened. | Binyamin Netanyahu: Israel’s prime minister had vowed to stop a nuclear agreement between the US and Iran. Not only did he fail to do that but he caused serious damage to Israel’s prized strategic relationship with Washington. Critics at home say he exaggerated the extent of an Iranian threat, some calling for his resignation. Iran has been notoriously hostile to the Jewish state since the 1979 revolution and highlights its support for the Palestinians, including Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Nothing in the Vienna agreement suggests that will change. Israel also fears Iran may be emboldened. |
| Read Ian’s full analysis here. | Read Ian’s full analysis here. |
| 6.59pm BST | |
| 18:59 | |
| Celebrations seem to be kicking off in Iran, shortly after iftar, the evening meal to break the day-long fast during Ramadan. Videos and photos from Iran are trickling through on social media now: | Celebrations seem to be kicking off in Iran, shortly after iftar, the evening meal to break the day-long fast during Ramadan. Videos and photos from Iran are trickling through on social media now: |
| Hundreds of people have gathered at Vanak square. One man says: "have you ever seen that? The police is helping us." pic.twitter.com/JrI9r7esPr | Hundreds of people have gathered at Vanak square. One man says: "have you ever seen that? The police is helping us." pic.twitter.com/JrI9r7esPr |
| Families and youths at Vanak square in Tehran, some holding balloons and waving flags, clapping: everybody is here happy wit nuclear deal. | Families and youths at Vanak square in Tehran, some holding balloons and waving flags, clapping: everybody is here happy wit nuclear deal. |
| during #StreetParty in #Iran people say "condolence" to Israel &Kayhan-a hardliner newspaper-both against #IranDeal https://t.co/kqFjMjDOnL | during #StreetParty in #Iran people say "condolence" to Israel &Kayhan-a hardliner newspaper-both against #IranDeal https://t.co/kqFjMjDOnL |
| People celebrating on Tehran’s Vali Asr street, chanting, “#Iran, US, Congrats on union” (h/t: @GEsfandiari) | People celebrating on Tehran’s Vali Asr street, chanting, “#Iran, US, Congrats on union” (h/t: @GEsfandiari) |
| مردم در میدان ولیعصر شعار می دهند "#ایران، #آمریکا پیوندتان مبارک" #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/wYtBvn4zP0 | مردم در میدان ولیعصر شعار می دهند "#ایران، #آمریکا پیوندتان مبارک" #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/wYtBvn4zP0 |
| In Tehran: | In Tehran: |
| @BahmanKalbasi تهران الان pic.twitter.com/2ppqMYCgYx | @BahmanKalbasi تهران الان pic.twitter.com/2ppqMYCgYx |
| 6.49pm BST | |
| 18:49 | |
| Key Points of the deal | Key Points of the deal |
| Julian Borger has outlined the key points of the nuclear deal. Read his full analysis here for a more detailed breakdown: | Julian Borger has outlined the key points of the nuclear deal. Read his full analysis here for a more detailed breakdown: |
| Related: Iran nuclear deal: the key points | Related: Iran nuclear deal: the key points |
| 6.40pm BST | |
| 18:40 | |
| The White House has released the readout of president Obama’s call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. | The White House has released the readout of president Obama’s call with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. |
| Obama noted that the JCPOA will verifiably prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon while ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program going forward. | Obama noted that the JCPOA will verifiably prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon while ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program going forward. |
| The President also underscored his Administration’s stalwart commitment to Israel’s security and noted that the JCPOA will remove the specter of a nuclear-armed Iran, an outcome in the national security interest of the United States and Israel. The President told the Prime Minister that today’s agreement on the nuclear issue will not diminish our concerns regarding Iran’s support for terrorism and threats toward Israel. | The President also underscored his Administration’s stalwart commitment to Israel’s security and noted that the JCPOA will remove the specter of a nuclear-armed Iran, an outcome in the national security interest of the United States and Israel. The President told the Prime Minister that today’s agreement on the nuclear issue will not diminish our concerns regarding Iran’s support for terrorism and threats toward Israel. |
| The President noted that Secretary of Defense Ash Carter’s visit next week to Israel is a reflection of the unprecedented level of security cooperation between the United States and Israel, and that the visit offers a further opportunity to continue our close consultation on security issues with Israeli counterparts as we remain vigilant in countering the Iranian regime’s destabilizing activities in the region. | The President noted that Secretary of Defense Ash Carter’s visit next week to Israel is a reflection of the unprecedented level of security cooperation between the United States and Israel, and that the visit offers a further opportunity to continue our close consultation on security issues with Israeli counterparts as we remain vigilant in countering the Iranian regime’s destabilizing activities in the region. |
| The White House has left Netanyahu’s response up to our collective imaginations... | The White House has left Netanyahu’s response up to our collective imaginations... |
| 6.29pm BST | |
| 18:29 | |
| The Guardian has published an editorial - in both English and Farsi – on the nuclear agreement: | The Guardian has published an editorial - in both English and Farsi – on the nuclear agreement: |
| Related: The Guardian view on the Iran nuclear deal: a triumph of diplomacy | Editorial | Related: The Guardian view on the Iran nuclear deal: a triumph of diplomacy | Editorial |
| Related: سرمقاله: توافق هستهای ایران؛ پیروزی دیپلماسی | Related: سرمقاله: توافق هستهای ایران؛ پیروزی دیپلماسی |
| 6.25pm BST | |
| 18:25 | |
| Julian Borger | Julian Borger |
| The Vienna agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme will make the UN’s nuclear watchdog agency the key arbiter of the deal, a task that brings with it huge prestige and severe strains. | The Vienna agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme will make the UN’s nuclear watchdog agency the key arbiter of the deal, a task that brings with it huge prestige and severe strains. |
| One of the reasons the talks were held in the Austrian capital is that it is also the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), whose central role is woven tightly into the final text of the historic settlement. It will verify whether Iran has held up its end of the bargain by shrinking its nuclear infrastructure, and by the end of the year the agency is expected to deliver a report on its investigation into the country’s alleged weapons design work in the past. The IAEA’s director general, Yukiya Amano, could make or break the agreement with his choice of words. | One of the reasons the talks were held in the Austrian capital is that it is also the headquarters of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), whose central role is woven tightly into the final text of the historic settlement. It will verify whether Iran has held up its end of the bargain by shrinking its nuclear infrastructure, and by the end of the year the agency is expected to deliver a report on its investigation into the country’s alleged weapons design work in the past. The IAEA’s director general, Yukiya Amano, could make or break the agreement with his choice of words. |
| Read the full piece here: | Read the full piece here: |
| Related: Iran deal hands UN nuclear watchdog key role, but is it up to the job? | Related: Iran deal hands UN nuclear watchdog key role, but is it up to the job? |
| 6.21pm BST | |
| 18:21 | |
| Here’s a summary of the latest on the deal and the reaction to it: | Here’s a summary of the latest on the deal and the reaction to it: |
| 5.49pm BST | |
| 17:49 | |
| News of the nuclear agreement in Vienna sparked celebrations across Iran, with drivers honking their car horns and others going online to congratulate each other and hailing a defining moment for the country, write my colleagues Saeed Kamali Dehghan and Ian Black. | News of the nuclear agreement in Vienna sparked celebrations across Iran, with drivers honking their car horns and others going online to congratulate each other and hailing a defining moment for the country, write my colleagues Saeed Kamali Dehghan and Ian Black. |
| Weeks of tense expectation ended when millions woke to hear of the final drama in the Austrian capital. Many were planning to gather outside after iftar, the evening meal to break the day-long fasting during Ramadan. There were reports of drivers on Tehran’s long, tree-lined Vali Asr street honking horns and jubilant people with hands raised in V-for-victory signs and waving from open windows. | Weeks of tense expectation ended when millions woke to hear of the final drama in the Austrian capital. Many were planning to gather outside after iftar, the evening meal to break the day-long fasting during Ramadan. There were reports of drivers on Tehran’s long, tree-lined Vali Asr street honking horns and jubilant people with hands raised in V-for-victory signs and waving from open windows. |
| ... Not all Iranians viewed the nuclear accord as a triumph. Abolhassan Banisadr, Iran’s first post-revolution president, who lives in exile, lined up with domestic hardliners by comparing the deal to the humiliating 1828 treaty of Turkmenchay, under which Persia ceded to Russia control of much of the south Caucasus. | ... Not all Iranians viewed the nuclear accord as a triumph. Abolhassan Banisadr, Iran’s first post-revolution president, who lives in exile, lined up with domestic hardliners by comparing the deal to the humiliating 1828 treaty of Turkmenchay, under which Persia ceded to Russia control of much of the south Caucasus. |
| Related: Joy in Tehran at end to isolation but hardliner reaction to nuclear deal feared | Related: Joy in Tehran at end to isolation but hardliner reaction to nuclear deal feared |
| 5.39pm BST | |
| 17:39 | |
| Watching #IranDeal in Tehran pic.twitter.com/TEGytDR4Hx | Watching #IranDeal in Tehran pic.twitter.com/TEGytDR4Hx |
| No outpouring of joy in #Tehran streets yet but these funky kids started #jamming 2 growing audience #Iran #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/jZHVYv8xXH | No outpouring of joy in #Tehran streets yet but these funky kids started #jamming 2 growing audience #Iran #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/jZHVYv8xXH |
| 5.34pm BST | |
| 17:34 | |
| Haaretz’s diplomatic correspondent Barak Ravid reports on the phone call between Obama and Netanyahu: | Haaretz’s diplomatic correspondent Barak Ravid reports on the phone call between Obama and Netanyahu: |
| BREAKING: Netanyahu tells Obama in a phone call the Iran nuclear deal "threatens Israel security" | BREAKING: Netanyahu tells Obama in a phone call the Iran nuclear deal "threatens Israel security" |
| 5.29pm BST | |
| 17:29 | |
| The family of Amir Hekmati – an American citizen who has been detained in Iran for more than four years – has expressed hope that the deal would translate into Hekmati’s release: | The family of Amir Hekmati – an American citizen who has been detained in Iran for more than four years – has expressed hope that the deal would translate into Hekmati’s release: |
| Amir is an innocent man who traveled to Iran to visit family, yet there is no denying that his imprisonment has been prolonged pending an outcome in these negotiations. While Amir himself has said that he should not be part of any nuclear deal, his immediate release would demonstrate a strong gesture of good faith to the international community following the successful end of the negotiations and enhance any agreement’s prospects in the US Congress. | Amir is an innocent man who traveled to Iran to visit family, yet there is no denying that his imprisonment has been prolonged pending an outcome in these negotiations. While Amir himself has said that he should not be part of any nuclear deal, his immediate release would demonstrate a strong gesture of good faith to the international community following the successful end of the negotiations and enhance any agreement’s prospects in the US Congress. |
| This August will mark four years that Amir has languished behind the walls of Evin prison. We pray Amir does not reach this milestone. It is long past time that Amir be released to end his and our family’s suffering.” | This August will mark four years that Amir has languished behind the walls of Evin prison. We pray Amir does not reach this milestone. It is long past time that Amir be released to end his and our family’s suffering.” |
| Along with Jason Rezaian, Hekmati is one of three Americans detained in Iran. | Along with Jason Rezaian, Hekmati is one of three Americans detained in Iran. |
| 5.25pm BST | |
| 17:25 | |
| Wonder if there’ll be anything topical to discuss during this “annual tradition” ... | Wonder if there’ll be anything topical to discuss during this “annual tradition” ... |
| In an annual tradition in #Ramadan, #Iran's president and government officials have met with Ayatollah Khamenei. pic.twitter.com/ln5BA4HTOq | In an annual tradition in #Ramadan, #Iran's president and government officials have met with Ayatollah Khamenei. pic.twitter.com/ln5BA4HTOq |
| 5.19pm BST | |
| 17:19 | |
| US Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush has called the agreement “a dangerous, deeply flawed, and short sighted deal.” In a statement, Bush said: | US Republican presidential hopeful Jeb Bush has called the agreement “a dangerous, deeply flawed, and short sighted deal.” In a statement, Bush said: |
| The deal would provide more than $100 billion in sanctions relief that will breathe new life into Iran’s malevolent and corrupt regime, enabling its projection of terror and power as well as its repression of the Iranian people – who aspire for, and deserve, a more democratic future. | The deal would provide more than $100 billion in sanctions relief that will breathe new life into Iran’s malevolent and corrupt regime, enabling its projection of terror and power as well as its repression of the Iranian people – who aspire for, and deserve, a more democratic future. |
| ... The people of Iran, the region, Israel, America, and the world deserve better than a deal that consolidates the grip on power of the violent revolutionary clerics who rule Tehran with an iron fist.” | ... The people of Iran, the region, Israel, America, and the world deserve better than a deal that consolidates the grip on power of the violent revolutionary clerics who rule Tehran with an iron fist.” |
| 5.16pm BST | |
| 17:16 | |
| Iranian newspapers have been portraying Zarif in a variety of cartoons and illustrations all day: | Iranian newspapers have been portraying Zarif in a variety of cartoons and illustrations all day: |
| #Tehran papers had field day w @JZarif. Shown as #Iran mythical character Arash Kamangar & historic figure Amir Kabir pic.twitter.com/I2SAMR8aFS | #Tehran papers had field day w @JZarif. Shown as #Iran mythical character Arash Kamangar & historic figure Amir Kabir pic.twitter.com/I2SAMR8aFS |
| Arash Kamangir is a heroic archer in Persian mythology. Amir Kabir served as prime minister of Persia during the Qajar dynasty before being murdered. Kabir is widely considered to be a modernizer, “Iran’s first reformer,.” | Arash Kamangir is a heroic archer in Persian mythology. Amir Kabir served as prime minister of Persia during the Qajar dynasty before being murdered. Kabir is widely considered to be a modernizer, “Iran’s first reformer,.” |
| 4.55pm BST | |
| 16:55 | |
| Syria’s state news agency Sana is reporting that Syrian president Bashar al-Assad congratulated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani on reaching a nuclear agreement: | Syria’s state news agency Sana is reporting that Syrian president Bashar al-Assad congratulated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani on reaching a nuclear agreement: |
| In a cable addressed to Khamenei, Sana said that Assad hailed the “great victory” achieved by Iran. “Indubitably, this agreement crowns the steadfastness of the Iranian people, with all their components and inclinations, in the face of the unfair sanctions that were imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said. | In a cable addressed to Khamenei, Sana said that Assad hailed the “great victory” achieved by Iran. “Indubitably, this agreement crowns the steadfastness of the Iranian people, with all their components and inclinations, in the face of the unfair sanctions that were imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said. |
| Assad said that the deal is “unequivocal recognition by the world countries of the peacefulness of the Iranian nuclear program,” which will safeguard the national rights of Iran’s people and allow it to asserts its sovereignty, according to Sana. | Assad said that the deal is “unequivocal recognition by the world countries of the peacefulness of the Iranian nuclear program,” which will safeguard the national rights of Iran’s people and allow it to asserts its sovereignty, according to Sana. |
| “We are quite assured that the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue, with greater momentum, supporting the just issues of peoples and working for peace and stability to prevail in the region and the world,” he said. | “We are quite assured that the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue, with greater momentum, supporting the just issues of peoples and working for peace and stability to prevail in the region and the world,” he said. |
| Iran is a steadfast supporter of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal regime in Syria. | Iran is a steadfast supporter of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal regime in Syria. |
| 4.40pm BST | |
| 16:40 | |
| How the deal was done | How the deal was done |
| Julian Borger | Julian Borger |
| To make sure that the historic nuclear deal was sealed in Vienna, the Austrian government was willing to go all out to make the negotiators comfortable at the resplendent Palais Coburg hotel, including footing all their bills. The Austrians made the country’s trademark wafer biscuits and chocolate Mozart balls freely available. They hosted lavish brunches, and provided buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. | To make sure that the historic nuclear deal was sealed in Vienna, the Austrian government was willing to go all out to make the negotiators comfortable at the resplendent Palais Coburg hotel, including footing all their bills. The Austrians made the country’s trademark wafer biscuits and chocolate Mozart balls freely available. They hosted lavish brunches, and provided buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. |
| Despite the profusion of high-class local cuisine available, however, many of the delegations fell back on their own comfort foods to get them through the long days and nights of talks. The Iranians had green raisins and pistachios. The Americans got through more than 10lbs of strawberry flavoured Twizzlers, 20lbs of cheese strings, and 30lbs of mixed nuts and raisins. Each time the team of the British foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, made a trip back to London, it returned to Vienna laden with biscuits from Marks & Spencer. At one point the French put that munificence to the test by staging a raid on the Coburg’s famous wine cellars to find something special to have with dinner. | Despite the profusion of high-class local cuisine available, however, many of the delegations fell back on their own comfort foods to get them through the long days and nights of talks. The Iranians had green raisins and pistachios. The Americans got through more than 10lbs of strawberry flavoured Twizzlers, 20lbs of cheese strings, and 30lbs of mixed nuts and raisins. Each time the team of the British foreign secretary, Philip Hammond, made a trip back to London, it returned to Vienna laden with biscuits from Marks & Spencer. At one point the French put that munificence to the test by staging a raid on the Coburg’s famous wine cellars to find something special to have with dinner. |
| Despite the comforts of the Coburg, the 18 days of talks were a gruelling challenge for the negotiators, most of whom were well over 60 years old and suffering from a variety of ailments as the talks went on. To add to the discomfort, the heat of Vienna’s summer surged, and it appeared to be beyond the capabilities of the hotel’s air conditioning system to tame it. | Despite the comforts of the Coburg, the 18 days of talks were a gruelling challenge for the negotiators, most of whom were well over 60 years old and suffering from a variety of ailments as the talks went on. To add to the discomfort, the heat of Vienna’s summer surged, and it appeared to be beyond the capabilities of the hotel’s air conditioning system to tame it. |
| Read Julian’s full report here: Eighteen days in Vienna: how the Iran nuclear deal was done | Read Julian’s full report here: Eighteen days in Vienna: how the Iran nuclear deal was done |
| Updated | |
| at 4.41pm BST | |
| 4.29pm BST | |
| 16:29 | |
| In a statement, the liberal pro-Israel lobbying group J Street, has backed the Iran deal saying it expected to call on Congress to endorse it: | In a statement, the liberal pro-Israel lobbying group J Street, has backed the Iran deal saying it expected to call on Congress to endorse it: |
| We congratulate President Obama, Secretary Kerry and the other members of the P5+1 for having the resolve, determination, patience and persistence to bring such a difficult negotiation to a successful conclusion,” J Street said. | We congratulate President Obama, Secretary Kerry and the other members of the P5+1 for having the resolve, determination, patience and persistence to bring such a difficult negotiation to a successful conclusion,” J Street said. |
| Following our own review of the agreement, we expect to call on Congress to support the deal as the best - if not only - means of ensuring that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons,” J Street added. | Following our own review of the agreement, we expect to call on Congress to support the deal as the best - if not only - means of ensuring that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons,” J Street added. |
| 4.12pm BST | |
| 16:12 | |
| Ben Jacobs | Ben Jacobs |
| My colleague in Washington, Ben Jacobs has a round-up of US presidential candidates’ reaction to the agreement: | My colleague in Washington, Ben Jacobs has a round-up of US presidential candidates’ reaction to the agreement: |
| The agreement reached by world powers Tuesday to try to curb the Iranian nuclear program met with two very distinct reactions from 2016 US presidential candidates. Republicans greeted the deal with a chorus of condemnation while Democrats praised the deal. | The agreement reached by world powers Tuesday to try to curb the Iranian nuclear program met with two very distinct reactions from 2016 US presidential candidates. Republicans greeted the deal with a chorus of condemnation while Democrats praised the deal. |
| Republicans had long been wary of the nuclear negotiations with Iran, seeing Obama administration as weak negotiators who were ready to take “a bad deal.” | Republicans had long been wary of the nuclear negotiations with Iran, seeing Obama administration as weak negotiators who were ready to take “a bad deal.” |
| Wisconsin governor Scott Walker, who launched his campaign Monday, said “President Obama’s nuclear agreement with Iran will be remembered as one of America’s worst diplomatic failures.” He was echoed by Florida senator Marco Rubio. | Wisconsin governor Scott Walker, who launched his campaign Monday, said “President Obama’s nuclear agreement with Iran will be remembered as one of America’s worst diplomatic failures.” He was echoed by Florida senator Marco Rubio. |
| Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee issued a typically fiery statement, proclaiming “Shame on the Obama administration for agreeing to a deal that empowers an evil Iranian regime to carry out its threat to ‘wipe Israel off the map’ and bring ‘death to America.’” | Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee issued a typically fiery statement, proclaiming “Shame on the Obama administration for agreeing to a deal that empowers an evil Iranian regime to carry out its threat to ‘wipe Israel off the map’ and bring ‘death to America.’” |
| Among Democrats, most backed the administration. Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton said the deal was “an important step which puts a lid on Iran’s nuclear programs.” | Among Democrats, most backed the administration. Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton said the deal was “an important step which puts a lid on Iran’s nuclear programs.” |
| Vermont senator Bernie Sanders was even more positive about the deal on Tuesday, saying “[The deal] is a victory for diplomacy over saber-rattling and could keep the United States from being drawn into another never-ending war in the Middle East.” | Vermont senator Bernie Sanders was even more positive about the deal on Tuesday, saying “[The deal] is a victory for diplomacy over saber-rattling and could keep the United States from being drawn into another never-ending war in the Middle East.” |
| Senator Chuck Schumer, slated to become the next Senate Minority Leader, said he intends “to go through this agreement with a fine-tooth comb ... Supporting or opposing this agreement is not a decision to be made lightly, and I plan to carefully study the agreement before making an informed decision.” | Senator Chuck Schumer, slated to become the next Senate Minority Leader, said he intends “to go through this agreement with a fine-tooth comb ... Supporting or opposing this agreement is not a decision to be made lightly, and I plan to carefully study the agreement before making an informed decision.” |
| Updated | |
| at 4.15pm BST | |
| 3.52pm BST | |
| 15:52 | |
| The family of Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post correspondent who has been held in Iran for nearly one year on espionage charges have issued a statement in light of the deal: | The family of Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post correspondent who has been held in Iran for nearly one year on espionage charges have issued a statement in light of the deal: |
| The outcome of the nuclear deal does not change Jason’s cruel and illegal imprisonment for the past 356 days. Jason is completely innocent of all charges and it is inhumane for him to still be held behind bars after nearly a year. He was a journalist doing his job and today he should be reporting on the details of this agreement rather than being subjected to continued incarceration and delays in the judicial proceedings. | The outcome of the nuclear deal does not change Jason’s cruel and illegal imprisonment for the past 356 days. Jason is completely innocent of all charges and it is inhumane for him to still be held behind bars after nearly a year. He was a journalist doing his job and today he should be reporting on the details of this agreement rather than being subjected to continued incarceration and delays in the judicial proceedings. |
| We remain appreciative of the ongoing efforts of the US Government behalf of Jason and the other Americans being held in Iran. | We remain appreciative of the ongoing efforts of the US Government behalf of Jason and the other Americans being held in Iran. |
| We are hopeful that with agreement now in place the Iranian courts will conclude this process swiftly and affirm Jason’s innocence so we can bring him home and make our family whole once again.” | We are hopeful that with agreement now in place the Iranian courts will conclude this process swiftly and affirm Jason’s innocence so we can bring him home and make our family whole once again.” |
| The Iranian-American journalist is standing trial on charges of espionage and collaborating with hostile governments. He appeared before a revolutionary court for the third time on Monday. | The Iranian-American journalist is standing trial on charges of espionage and collaborating with hostile governments. He appeared before a revolutionary court for the third time on Monday. |
| Rezaian is one of three Americans known to be held in Iran. | Rezaian is one of three Americans known to be held in Iran. |
| 3.41pm BST | |
| 15:41 | |
| Jennifer Epstein, a political correspondent for Bloomberg, has tweeted this on Clinton: | Jennifer Epstein, a political correspondent for Bloomberg, has tweeted this on Clinton: |
| Clinton says Obama called her last night to let her know that an Iran deal had been reached | Clinton says Obama called her last night to let her know that an Iran deal had been reached |
| 3.40pm BST | |
| 15:40 | |
| Democratic candidate for president Hillary Clinton has just spoken on the deal: | Democratic candidate for president Hillary Clinton has just spoken on the deal: |
| “I think this is an important step which puts a lid on Iran’s nuclear programs. And it will enable us to then turn our attention as it must to doing what we can with our other partners in the region and beyond to try to prevent and contain Iran’s other bad actions.” | “I think this is an important step which puts a lid on Iran’s nuclear programs. And it will enable us to then turn our attention as it must to doing what we can with our other partners in the region and beyond to try to prevent and contain Iran’s other bad actions.” |
| “So all in all, we have to look at this seriously, evaluate it carefully but I believe based on what I know now that this is an important.” | “So all in all, we have to look at this seriously, evaluate it carefully but I believe based on what I know now that this is an important.” |
| 3.38pm BST | |
| 15:38 | |
| Meanwhile, the US speaker of the house John Boehner called the nuclear deal a “bad deal” that would provide billions of dollars of sanctions relief to Tehran and ultimately allow it to acquire nuclear weapon. | Meanwhile, the US speaker of the house John Boehner called the nuclear deal a “bad deal” that would provide billions of dollars of sanctions relief to Tehran and ultimately allow it to acquire nuclear weapon. |
| But according to the Associated Press, in a news briefing Boehner insisted he has not prejudged the agreement but told Obama Tuesday morning that he was skeptical of it. “We’re going to do everything we can to get to the details and if in fact it’s as bad a deal as I think it is at this moment, we’re going to do everything we can to stop it,” Boehner said. | But according to the Associated Press, in a news briefing Boehner insisted he has not prejudged the agreement but told Obama Tuesday morning that he was skeptical of it. “We’re going to do everything we can to get to the details and if in fact it’s as bad a deal as I think it is at this moment, we’re going to do everything we can to stop it,” Boehner said. |
| 3.21pm BST | |
| 15:21 | |
| Peter Beaumont | Peter Beaumont |
| Netanyahu has convened his security cabinet to discuss the Iran deal even as it was disclosed that President Barack Obama would be calling Netanyahu. | Netanyahu has convened his security cabinet to discuss the Iran deal even as it was disclosed that President Barack Obama would be calling Netanyahu. |
| Despite that it is unclear what realistic leverage Netanyahu has so this may simply be a question of the Israeli prime minister going through the motions for the Israeli public. | Despite that it is unclear what realistic leverage Netanyahu has so this may simply be a question of the Israeli prime minister going through the motions for the Israeli public. |
| 3.17pm BST | |
| 15:17 | |
| Netanyahu has now ended his short press conference. | Netanyahu has now ended his short press conference. |
| 3.17pm BST | |
| 15:17 | |
| By not dismantling the nuclear program, the deal will give “an unrepentant” and “far richer” Iranian regime more regional power. | By not dismantling the nuclear program, the deal will give “an unrepentant” and “far richer” Iranian regime more regional power. |
| “What a stunning historic mistake,” Netanyahu says. | “What a stunning historic mistake,” Netanyahu says. |
| Iran continues to seek Israel’s destruction, Netanyahu says. | Iran continues to seek Israel’s destruction, Netanyahu says. |
| 3.15pm BST | |
| 15:15 | |
| Netanyahu references an incident from last Friday, when Iranian president Hassan Rouhani attended a rally where chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”. “This happened four days ago.” | Netanyahu references an incident from last Friday, when Iranian president Hassan Rouhani attended a rally where chants of “Death to America” and “Death to Israel”. “This happened four days ago.” |
| Netanyahu quotes Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah party, on sanctions relief for Iran: “A rich and strong Iran will be able to stand with its allies in the region.” | Netanyahu quotes Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah party, on sanctions relief for Iran: “A rich and strong Iran will be able to stand with its allies in the region.” |
| Netanyahu translates this as: Iran’s support for terrorism and subversion will increase. | Netanyahu translates this as: Iran’s support for terrorism and subversion will increase. |
| 3.13pm BST | |
| 15:13 | |
| 'The world is a much more dangerous place' | 'The world is a much more dangerous place' |
| “The world is a much more dangerous place,” Netanyahu says. | “The world is a much more dangerous place,” Netanyahu says. |
| The deal gives Iran every incentive not to change, he says. In the coming decade, the deal will “reward the terrorist regime in Iran” with hundreds of millions of dollars. | The deal gives Iran every incentive not to change, he says. In the coming decade, the deal will “reward the terrorist regime in Iran” with hundreds of millions of dollars. |
| Updated | |
| at 3.23pm BST | |
| 3.12pm BST | |
| 15:12 | |
| Netanyahu is speaking now. | Netanyahu is speaking now. |
| 3.11pm BST | |
| 15:11 | |
| Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu preemtively condemned the agreement, calling it a “capitulation” and a mistake of historic proportions. | Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu preemtively condemned the agreement, calling it a “capitulation” and a mistake of historic proportions. |
| He is expected to address Israel shortly. | He is expected to address Israel shortly. |
| 2.57pm BST | |
| 14:57 | |
| The Vienna agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme will make the UN’s nuclear watchdog agency the key arbiter of the deal, but can it succeed? asks Julian Borger. | The Vienna agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme will make the UN’s nuclear watchdog agency the key arbiter of the deal, but can it succeed? asks Julian Borger. |
| Related: Iran deal hands UN nuclear watchdog key role, but is it up to the job? | Related: Iran deal hands UN nuclear watchdog key role, but is it up to the job? |
| 2.54pm BST | |
| 14:54 | |
| Marco Rubios, another Republican presidential hopeful has expressed criticism of the deal. | Marco Rubios, another Republican presidential hopeful has expressed criticism of the deal. |
| .@POTUS has negotiated from a position of weakness, giving concession after concession to a regime that holds Americans hostage #IranDeal | .@POTUS has negotiated from a position of weakness, giving concession after concession to a regime that holds Americans hostage #IranDeal |
| Dan Dfeiffer, a former Obama adviser, reckons that none of the Republican contenders would scrap deal if they were elected. | Dan Dfeiffer, a former Obama adviser, reckons that none of the Republican contenders would scrap deal if they were elected. |
| Here's a fact: none of these GOP contenders would end this Iran Deal if they got to the White House -- wld massively damage US in the world | Here's a fact: none of these GOP contenders would end this Iran Deal if they got to the White House -- wld massively damage US in the world |
| 2.47pm BST | |
| 14:47 | |
| Paul Lewis | Paul Lewis |
| Paul Lewis has quick explanation on Obama’s remarks in the context of what happens next in Washington. | Paul Lewis has quick explanation on Obama’s remarks in the context of what happens next in Washington. |
| The Republican-dominated Congress could well formally express its disapproval of the Iran deal, but its ability to actually scupper the agreement is limited. Under the terms of an oversight process hatched between the White House and congressional leaders back in April, the president now has a few days to present the legislature with the terms of the agreement and associated documents. | The Republican-dominated Congress could well formally express its disapproval of the Iran deal, but its ability to actually scupper the agreement is limited. Under the terms of an oversight process hatched between the White House and congressional leaders back in April, the president now has a few days to present the legislature with the terms of the agreement and associated documents. |
| That kick-starts a 60-day review period, in which Obama administration officials will be grilled before Senate and House of Representatives committees over the fine-print. After that, there are 12 additional days for both chambers to pass a resolution to the president, and given that Republicans, who are highly sceptical of the deal, enjoy a majority in both chambers, it would not be surprising if that was a vote of disapproval. | That kick-starts a 60-day review period, in which Obama administration officials will be grilled before Senate and House of Representatives committees over the fine-print. After that, there are 12 additional days for both chambers to pass a resolution to the president, and given that Republicans, who are highly sceptical of the deal, enjoy a majority in both chambers, it would not be surprising if that was a vote of disapproval. |
| A resolution condemning the agreement would be embarrassing for the president, but it would not in itself be enough to stop the president from waiving sanctions in return for Iran complying with the terms of the deal - the central mechanism in the agreement. | A resolution condemning the agreement would be embarrassing for the president, but it would not in itself be enough to stop the president from waiving sanctions in return for Iran complying with the terms of the deal - the central mechanism in the agreement. |
| For that, Congress would need to draft legislation to specifically undermine the agreement that would then need to pass with the two-thirds majority, in both the House and Senate, needed to overcome the presidential veto Obama has made clear today he would use. That is a very high hurdle, even if a number of Democratic hawks defect to the Republican side. In effect, Obama only needs to persuade a third of the legislature to back his deal, and his administration is likely to apply pressure on Democrats to preserve their president’s legacy-defining agreement. | For that, Congress would need to draft legislation to specifically undermine the agreement that would then need to pass with the two-thirds majority, in both the House and Senate, needed to overcome the presidential veto Obama has made clear today he would use. That is a very high hurdle, even if a number of Democratic hawks defect to the Republican side. In effect, Obama only needs to persuade a third of the legislature to back his deal, and his administration is likely to apply pressure on Democrats to preserve their president’s legacy-defining agreement. |
| 2.40pm BST | |
| 14:40 | |
| Here’s a summary of the latest on the deal and the reaction to it: | Here’s a summary of the latest on the deal and the reaction to it: |
| 2.18pm BST | |
| 14:18 | |
| The International Crisis Group has welcomed the deal as the “best possible agreement”. and urges both the US Congress and Iranian Majlis to approve it. | The International Crisis Group has welcomed the deal as the “best possible agreement”. and urges both the US Congress and Iranian Majlis to approve it. |
| But it also warns that the deal is no solution in itself to tension in the region. | But it also warns that the deal is no solution in itself to tension in the region. |
| It will not solve the region’s many other problems, neither the proxy wars pitting Iran against its neighbours nor the hostility that still embitters Tehran’s relations with the West. Indeed, in the short term at least, it is likely to reinforce the sense in regional capitals that Iran’s star is ascending, which could exacerbate the clashes along regional fault lines. Thus the achievement of this agreement, laudable in itself, is incomplete unless it prompts an effort by all the key stakeholders to secure a broader reduction in regional tensions with the goal of establishing an inclusive regional security framework. | It will not solve the region’s many other problems, neither the proxy wars pitting Iran against its neighbours nor the hostility that still embitters Tehran’s relations with the West. Indeed, in the short term at least, it is likely to reinforce the sense in regional capitals that Iran’s star is ascending, which could exacerbate the clashes along regional fault lines. Thus the achievement of this agreement, laudable in itself, is incomplete unless it prompts an effort by all the key stakeholders to secure a broader reduction in regional tensions with the goal of establishing an inclusive regional security framework. |
| Overcoming decades of animosity, both within the region and between Iran and the West, likely will prove even more challenging than reaching today’s accord. But as the past two years of arduous talks have shown, even seemingly intractable predicaments can be addressed through persistent and patient diplomacy. | Overcoming decades of animosity, both within the region and between Iran and the West, likely will prove even more challenging than reaching today’s accord. But as the past two years of arduous talks have shown, even seemingly intractable predicaments can be addressed through persistent and patient diplomacy. |
| 2.13pm BST | |
| 14:13 | |
| The White House has turned to simple graphics to try to win over sceptics of the deal. | The White House has turned to simple graphics to try to win over sceptics of the deal. |
| Here's the difference between an #IranDeal and no deal → http://t.co/3PJ1t0Zk7U pic.twitter.com/r1zsJUdgBG | Here's the difference between an #IranDeal and no deal → http://t.co/3PJ1t0Zk7U pic.twitter.com/r1zsJUdgBG |
| This is perhaps a response to Netanyahu’s infamous bomb graphics at the UN which are now being mocked. | This is perhaps a response to Netanyahu’s infamous bomb graphics at the UN which are now being mocked. |
| اين هم واكنش نتانياهو به مذاكرات كه دلش خونه به خدا- كاريكاتوري از بزرگمهرحسين پور #IranDeal #Irantalks #مذاكرات pic.twitter.com/qOwD1sSZpx | اين هم واكنش نتانياهو به مذاكرات كه دلش خونه به خدا- كاريكاتوري از بزرگمهرحسين پور #IranDeal #Irantalks #مذاكرات pic.twitter.com/qOwD1sSZpx |
| 1.45pm BST | |
| 13:45 | |
| Here’s the full 14 minute video version of Obama’s statement on the deal. | Here’s the full 14 minute video version of Obama’s statement on the deal. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.42pm BST | |
| 1.41pm BST | |
| 13:41 | |
| Russia’s president Vladimir Putin says the “world [has] heaved a sigh of relief”. | Russia’s president Vladimir Putin says the “world [has] heaved a sigh of relief”. |
| In a statement he added: | In a statement he added: |
| We are satisfied that the solution found is based on the principle of phasing and mutuality which our country has been consistently supporting at every stage of these complicated negotiations. | We are satisfied that the solution found is based on the principle of phasing and mutuality which our country has been consistently supporting at every stage of these complicated negotiations. |
| The comprehensive agreement rests on the solid foundation of international law, primarily the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and the IAEA Safeguards, including the additional protocol. Despite the attempts to validate any scenarios based on the use of force, the parties to the negotiations made a choice in favour of stability and cooperation, which will be reflected in a corresponding UN Security Council resolution. | The comprehensive agreement rests on the solid foundation of international law, primarily the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and the IAEA Safeguards, including the additional protocol. Despite the attempts to validate any scenarios based on the use of force, the parties to the negotiations made a choice in favour of stability and cooperation, which will be reflected in a corresponding UN Security Council resolution. |
| We are grateful to all those who invariably supported efforts to find reliable political and diplomatic solutions to the Iranian issue. The Russian negotiating team and nuclear experts have made a significant expert contribution to the drafting of the comprehensive arrangements, which made it possible to align the different, often opposing views. The IAEA will carefully monitor the implementation of the agreed steps to prove the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. | We are grateful to all those who invariably supported efforts to find reliable political and diplomatic solutions to the Iranian issue. The Russian negotiating team and nuclear experts have made a significant expert contribution to the drafting of the comprehensive arrangements, which made it possible to align the different, often opposing views. The IAEA will carefully monitor the implementation of the agreed steps to prove the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. |
| Iran gets the opportunity to develop this programme, including uranium enrichment, under IAEA control and with the gradual lifting of sanctions imposed against Tehran, something we have long called for. This is also important for the implementation of large-scale plans of peaceful nuclear cooperation between Russia and Iran that got support in the documents approved today. | Iran gets the opportunity to develop this programme, including uranium enrichment, under IAEA control and with the gradual lifting of sanctions imposed against Tehran, something we have long called for. This is also important for the implementation of large-scale plans of peaceful nuclear cooperation between Russia and Iran that got support in the documents approved today. |
| We expect that all the parties concerned, primarily the six states involved in the negotiations, will comply with the deal in full. The political will demonstrated by these six states and Iran in the course of these negotiations is a guarantee of the successful implementation of the plan of action designed for the long term. Our bilateral relations with Iran will receive a new impetus and will no longer be influenced by external factors. | We expect that all the parties concerned, primarily the six states involved in the negotiations, will comply with the deal in full. The political will demonstrated by these six states and Iran in the course of these negotiations is a guarantee of the successful implementation of the plan of action designed for the long term. Our bilateral relations with Iran will receive a new impetus and will no longer be influenced by external factors. |
| Russia will do everything in its power to ensure the full implementation of the Vienna agreements, assisting in strengthening global and regional security, global nuclear non-proliferation, the creation in the Middle East of a zone free from weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, and the mobilisation of a broad coalition in the region to counter terrorist threats. | Russia will do everything in its power to ensure the full implementation of the Vienna agreements, assisting in strengthening global and regional security, global nuclear non-proliferation, the creation in the Middle East of a zone free from weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, and the mobilisation of a broad coalition in the region to counter terrorist threats. |
| 1.33pm BST | |
| 13:33 | |
| US doubts | US doubts |
| Republican chair of the Senate foreign relations committee, Bob Corker, a key figure in Congress, has expressed his doubts. | Republican chair of the Senate foreign relations committee, Bob Corker, a key figure in Congress, has expressed his doubts. |
| In a statement he said: | In a statement he said: |
| “Throughout these negotiations, I have expressed significant concerns to the administration about the crossing of red line after red line as we have moved from a goal of dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities to managing its proliferation. | “Throughout these negotiations, I have expressed significant concerns to the administration about the crossing of red line after red line as we have moved from a goal of dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities to managing its proliferation. |
| I want to read the agreement in detail and fully understand it, but I begin from a place of deep skepticism that the deal actually meets the goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. In the coming days, Congress will need to scrutinize this deal and answer whether implementing the agreement is worth dismantling our painstakingly-constructed sanctions regime that took more than a decade to establish. | I want to read the agreement in detail and fully understand it, but I begin from a place of deep skepticism that the deal actually meets the goal of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. In the coming days, Congress will need to scrutinize this deal and answer whether implementing the agreement is worth dismantling our painstakingly-constructed sanctions regime that took more than a decade to establish. |
| Iran continues to be the lead sponsor of terrorism in the world and relieving sanctions would make the Tehran regime flush with cash and could create a more dangerous threat to the United States and its allies. | Iran continues to be the lead sponsor of terrorism in the world and relieving sanctions would make the Tehran regime flush with cash and could create a more dangerous threat to the United States and its allies. |
| Without the passage of our bill [which seeks to prevent the president waiving sanctions on Iran], Congress would have had no role in reviewing and voting on an agreement. | Without the passage of our bill [which seeks to prevent the president waiving sanctions on Iran], Congress would have had no role in reviewing and voting on an agreement. |
| Once the president submits to Congress all of the documents associated with this deal, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will conduct a rigorous review during which time congressional sanctions will remain in place. Whatever actions the House and Senate ultimately take, the American people will have a full and open debate that a national security issue of this magnitude deserves.” | Once the president submits to Congress all of the documents associated with this deal, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will conduct a rigorous review during which time congressional sanctions will remain in place. Whatever actions the House and Senate ultimately take, the American people will have a full and open debate that a national security issue of this magnitude deserves.” |
| Here’s my full statement regarding the announcement of a nuclear agreement with #Iran: http://t.co/edmCu23YVg. #IranDeal | Here’s my full statement regarding the announcement of a nuclear agreement with #Iran: http://t.co/edmCu23YVg. #IranDeal |
| Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said the deal “empowers” Iran to carry out threats against Iran and Israel. | Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said the deal “empowers” Iran to carry out threats against Iran and Israel. |
| Shame on the Obama admin for agreeing to a deal that empowers an evil Iranian regime to carry out its threat to "wipe Israel off the map." | Shame on the Obama admin for agreeing to a deal that empowers an evil Iranian regime to carry out its threat to "wipe Israel off the map." |
| As president, I will stand with Israel and keep all options on the table, including military force, to topple the terrorist Iranian regime. | As president, I will stand with Israel and keep all options on the table, including military force, to topple the terrorist Iranian regime. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.45pm BST | |
| 1.23pm BST | |
| 13:23 | |
| In his speech about the deal President Rouhani made much of sanctions relief. | In his speech about the deal President Rouhani made much of sanctions relief. |
| Upon #IranDeal implementation all sanctions will be lifted--not suspended. Otherwise,there was no need for 18-day round-the-clock #IranTalks | Upon #IranDeal implementation all sanctions will be lifted--not suspended. Otherwise,there was no need for 18-day round-the-clock #IranTalks |
| Rouhani’s support rests on the assumption that an agreement would result in better access to foreign medical supplies, foreign investment and an improvement in living standards, according to a new poll. | Rouhani’s support rests on the assumption that an agreement would result in better access to foreign medical supplies, foreign investment and an improvement in living standards, according to a new poll. |
| Related: What's next for President Rouhani in Iran? | Related: What's next for President Rouhani in Iran? |
| 1.16pm BST | |
| 13:16 | |
| John Kerry said the implementation of the deal is more important than the text. “I’m not going to stand here and tell you every is going to work without a hitch,” he told reporters. | John Kerry said the implementation of the deal is more important than the text. “I’m not going to stand here and tell you every is going to work without a hitch,” he told reporters. |
| Iranian negotiators have repeatedly reassured the US that they have a full mandate from President Rouhani and the Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the US secretary of state said. | Iranian negotiators have repeatedly reassured the US that they have a full mandate from President Rouhani and the Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the US secretary of state said. |
| In answer to his final question he said: “We have put in ample mechanisms in respect to compliance. So I feel very confident about our ability to protect our interests.” | In answer to his final question he said: “We have put in ample mechanisms in respect to compliance. So I feel very confident about our ability to protect our interests.” |
| He then apologised for not taking any more questions with reference to his broken leg. “You will have to forgive me. This is the longest I’ve stood up for quite a while,” he said. | He then apologised for not taking any more questions with reference to his broken leg. “You will have to forgive me. This is the longest I’ve stood up for quite a while,” he said. |
| 1.02pm BST | |
| 13:02 | |
| Julian Borger has more from John Perry’s press conference in Vienna. | Julian Borger has more from John Perry’s press conference in Vienna. |
| Kerry at #IranTalksVienna: arms embargo continues for 5 years, during which a lot of other things can happen. | Kerry at #IranTalksVienna: arms embargo continues for 5 years, during which a lot of other things can happen. |
| Kerry at #IranTalksVienna I believe that Congress will not turn its back on the rest of the international community | Kerry at #IranTalksVienna I believe that Congress will not turn its back on the rest of the international community |
| Kerry in Vienna: I learned in war the price of what happens when diplomacy fails. | Kerry in Vienna: I learned in war the price of what happens when diplomacy fails. |
| Kerry at #IranTalksVienna Americans companies will not be part of rush to do business in Iran, because of sanctions | Kerry at #IranTalksVienna Americans companies will not be part of rush to do business in Iran, because of sanctions |
| Iran’s Press TV has footage of Kerry. | Iran’s Press TV has footage of Kerry. |
| 12.51pm BST | |
| 12:51 | |
| Britain’s Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond says the deal is the culmination of over a decade of complex negotiations. | Britain’s Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond says the deal is the culmination of over a decade of complex negotiations. |
| After more than a decade of tough negotiations we have reached an historic agreement that will impose strict limits and inspections on Iran’s nuclear programme. | After more than a decade of tough negotiations we have reached an historic agreement that will impose strict limits and inspections on Iran’s nuclear programme. |
| Under the agreement, Iran will grant the International Atomic Energy Agency access to verify adherence to the restrictions placed on its nuclear programme, giving the international community confidence that the programme is, and will remain, exclusively peaceful. | Under the agreement, Iran will grant the International Atomic Energy Agency access to verify adherence to the restrictions placed on its nuclear programme, giving the international community confidence that the programme is, and will remain, exclusively peaceful. |
| In return, once Iran has taken key steps to introduce these restrictions, the international community will lift some of its sanctions on Iran, delivering significant economic and financial benefits. | In return, once Iran has taken key steps to introduce these restrictions, the international community will lift some of its sanctions on Iran, delivering significant economic and financial benefits. |
| Having reached this important agreement, our focus will now be on its swift and full implementation to make sure that a nuclear weapon remains beyond Iran’s reach. | Having reached this important agreement, our focus will now be on its swift and full implementation to make sure that a nuclear weapon remains beyond Iran’s reach. |
| We recognise the concern in the region about Iran’s historic pattern of regional activity. We will maintain our clear position in support of the Gulf states and against Iranian interference in their internal affairs. We hope, and expect, that this agreement will herald a step-change in Iran’s relations with its neighbours and with the international community. | We recognise the concern in the region about Iran’s historic pattern of regional activity. We will maintain our clear position in support of the Gulf states and against Iranian interference in their internal affairs. We hope, and expect, that this agreement will herald a step-change in Iran’s relations with its neighbours and with the international community. |
| The removal, over time, of economic and financial sanctions represents a huge opportunity for Iranians to make positive decisions about their country’s future and its role in the region. | The removal, over time, of economic and financial sanctions represents a huge opportunity for Iranians to make positive decisions about their country’s future and its role in the region. |
| We will continue to work closely with our international partners to encourage Iran to play a transparent and constructive role in regional affairs, particularly in the struggle against violent Islamist extremism. | We will continue to work closely with our international partners to encourage Iran to play a transparent and constructive role in regional affairs, particularly in the struggle against violent Islamist extremism. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.52pm BST | |
| 12.48pm BST | |
| 12:48 | |
| IAEA reaction | IAEA reaction |
| The IAEA says the deal help inspectors verify whether Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. | The IAEA says the deal help inspectors verify whether Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. |
| Its director general Yukiya Amano issued this statement: | Its director general Yukiya Amano issued this statement: |
| “I congratulate Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union for reaching this joint comprehensive agreement following many months of tireless negotiations. | “I congratulate Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union for reaching this joint comprehensive agreement following many months of tireless negotiations. |
| I welcome this agreement which will facilitate the IAEA’s further verification work in Iran. | I welcome this agreement which will facilitate the IAEA’s further verification work in Iran. |
| We will be asked to monitor and verify the nuclear-related measures set out in the agreement. I will then report to and consult the IAEA’s Board of Governors on this request and on how to secure the necessary financial resources for the Agency. | We will be asked to monitor and verify the nuclear-related measures set out in the agreement. I will then report to and consult the IAEA’s Board of Governors on this request and on how to secure the necessary financial resources for the Agency. |
| I am confident in our ability to do this important work. The IAEA stands ready to undertake the necessary monitoring and verification activities when requested. | I am confident in our ability to do this important work. The IAEA stands ready to undertake the necessary monitoring and verification activities when requested. |
| With respect to the clarification of outstanding issues related to the possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear programme, the IAEA and Iran have, earlier today, agreed a Road-map as part of the Framework for Cooperation between the Agency and Iran. | With respect to the clarification of outstanding issues related to the possible military dimensions to Iran’s nuclear programme, the IAEA and Iran have, earlier today, agreed a Road-map as part of the Framework for Cooperation between the Agency and Iran. |
| Under this Road-map, and with the cooperation of Iran, the IAEA will be able to establish an understanding of the whole picture concerning these issues and report our assessment to our Board of Governors by the end of the year.” | Under this Road-map, and with the cooperation of Iran, the IAEA will be able to establish an understanding of the whole picture concerning these issues and report our assessment to our Board of Governors by the end of the year.” |
| 12.43pm BST | |
| 12:43 | |
| Full text | Full text |
| Here’s the full text of the agreement, pistachios and all. | Here’s the full text of the agreement, pistachios and all. |
| Related: Iran nuclear deal: full text of joint comprehensive plan of action | Related: Iran nuclear deal: full text of joint comprehensive plan of action |
| 12.39pm BST | |
| 12:39 | |
| US Secretary of State John Kerry has been giving his reaction to the deal in Vienna. | US Secretary of State John Kerry has been giving his reaction to the deal in Vienna. |
| Agreement is a step away from specter of conflict, towards possibility of peace. This is the good deal we have sought pic.twitter.com/JY9YSZrPQs | Agreement is a step away from specter of conflict, towards possibility of peace. This is the good deal we have sought pic.twitter.com/JY9YSZrPQs |
| Kerry in Vienna: Contrary to assertions of some, this agreement has no sunset. It doesn't terminate. #IranTalksVienna | Kerry in Vienna: Contrary to assertions of some, this agreement has no sunset. It doesn't terminate. #IranTalksVienna |
| Kerry: This is the good deal we have sought. Believe me, if we were willing to settle for lesser deal, would have settled long time ago | Kerry: This is the good deal we have sought. Believe me, if we were willing to settle for lesser deal, would have settled long time ago |
| Kerry: inspectors will be able to access any facility any IAEA and majority of P5+1 want #IranDeal | Kerry: inspectors will be able to access any facility any IAEA and majority of P5+1 want #IranDeal |
| Sanctions relief for Iran will only start when it meets its commitments. 'Confidence is never built overnight' says @JohnKerry | Sanctions relief for Iran will only start when it meets its commitments. 'Confidence is never built overnight' says @JohnKerry |
| Kerry making passionate argument for #Irandeal. 'Those who criticse have to provide an alternative that works.' Direct challenge to #Israel. | Kerry making passionate argument for #Irandeal. 'Those who criticse have to provide an alternative that works.' Direct challenge to #Israel. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.41pm BST | |
| 12.33pm BST | |
| 12:33 | |
| Russia's role | Russia's role |
| Alec Luhn | Alec Luhn |
| Despite its own conflicting economic interests, Moscow has played a key role in negotiating the nuclear deal and welcomed its results as a diplomatic victory, writes Alec Luhn in Moscow. | Despite its own conflicting economic interests, Moscow has played a key role in negotiating the nuclear deal and welcomed its results as a diplomatic victory, writes Alec Luhn in Moscow. |
| Russia’s foreign ministry was waxing poetic on Tuesday as the deal was finalised, tweeting that negotiators were “preparing the final chord of the symphony” of Iran’s nuclear program. | Russia’s foreign ministry was waxing poetic on Tuesday as the deal was finalised, tweeting that negotiators were “preparing the final chord of the symphony” of Iran’s nuclear program. |
| Preparing final chord of the symphony "The Iran's nuclear program"/ Подготовка к финальному аккорду симфонии "#ИЯП" pic.twitter.com/tyk5f2u8Yh | Preparing final chord of the symphony "The Iran's nuclear program"/ Подготовка к финальному аккорду симфонии "#ИЯП" pic.twitter.com/tyk5f2u8Yh |
| Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists that the agreement “fully corresponds” with Russia’s negotiating points, stressing that it would lift sanctions and recognise “Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear activity,” including enriching uranium. | Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told journalists that the agreement “fully corresponds” with Russia’s negotiating points, stressing that it would lift sanctions and recognise “Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear activity,” including enriching uranium. |
| The lifting of sanctions against Iran could make the easing of Western sanctions against Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis also look more favourable. Vice-speaker of parliament Nikolai Levichev told RIA Novosti that the signing of the deal marked a “victory of the diplomacy of negotiations over the diplomacy of sanctions and diktat”. Levichev also said trade between Iran and Russia would “increase significantly”, especially in nanotechnology, machinery and agriculture, and could reach up to $10 billion a year after sanctions were lifted. | The lifting of sanctions against Iran could make the easing of Western sanctions against Russia over its role in the Ukraine crisis also look more favourable. Vice-speaker of parliament Nikolai Levichev told RIA Novosti that the signing of the deal marked a “victory of the diplomacy of negotiations over the diplomacy of sanctions and diktat”. Levichev also said trade between Iran and Russia would “increase significantly”, especially in nanotechnology, machinery and agriculture, and could reach up to $10 billion a year after sanctions were lifted. |
| An eventual end to the arms embargo against Iran would also clearly be in the interest of Russia’s $15bn arms industry, which makes most of its sales in Latin America and the Middle East. Firmly in Iran’s corner throughout the negotiation process, Moscow has argued that the embargo should be completely lifted so Iran can help fight the Islamic State. | An eventual end to the arms embargo against Iran would also clearly be in the interest of Russia’s $15bn arms industry, which makes most of its sales in Latin America and the Middle East. Firmly in Iran’s corner throughout the negotiation process, Moscow has argued that the embargo should be completely lifted so Iran can help fight the Islamic State. |
| On the other hand, resumption of international trade with Tehran will almost surely mean a big increase in energy exports, positioning Iran to compete with Russia in its major energy markets of Turkey and Europe. Russia’s economy is already headed towards recession after being clobbered by low energy prices as well as sanctions, and the rouble fell slightly against the dollar after news of the Iran agreement broke on Tuesday. | On the other hand, resumption of international trade with Tehran will almost surely mean a big increase in energy exports, positioning Iran to compete with Russia in its major energy markets of Turkey and Europe. Russia’s economy is already headed towards recession after being clobbered by low energy prices as well as sanctions, and the rouble fell slightly against the dollar after news of the Iran agreement broke on Tuesday. |
| 12.30pm BST | |
| 12:30 | |
| Key points of the deal | Key points of the deal |
| Julian Borger picks up the main points of the agreement. | Julian Borger picks up the main points of the agreement. |
| Related: Iran's nuclear programme: world powers reach historic deal to lift sanctions | Related: Iran's nuclear programme: world powers reach historic deal to lift sanctions |
| 12.27pm BST | |
| 12:27 | |
| Related: This Iran nuclear deal is built to last | Richard Dalton | Related: This Iran nuclear deal is built to last | Richard Dalton |
| 12.25pm BST | |
| 12:25 | |
| The White House has uploaded video of Obama’s full statement. | The White House has uploaded video of Obama’s full statement. |
| Full video: Watch @POTUS speak on the historic deal to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. #IranDeal http://t.co/5lP7Kk8xOZ | Full video: Watch @POTUS speak on the historic deal to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. #IranDeal http://t.co/5lP7Kk8xOZ |
| 12.22pm BST | |
| 12:22 | |
| Iran’s president Hassan Rouhani is giving his reaction to the deal. | Iran’s president Hassan Rouhani is giving his reaction to the deal. |
| Watch Live Now: http://t.co/UDONbkGx7t | Watch Live Now: http://t.co/UDONbkGx7t |
| Follow Saeed Kamali Dehghan for translations of the highlights. | Follow Saeed Kamali Dehghan for translations of the highlights. |
| Rouhani: "we are on an important juncture in the history of our country" | Rouhani: "we are on an important juncture in the history of our country" |
| 12.14pm BST | |
| 12:14 | |
| Obama to use veto to pass deal | Obama to use veto to pass deal |
| Obama warns Congress that he will veto any attempts to block the deal. | Obama warns Congress that he will veto any attempts to block the deal. |
| "I will veto any legislation that prevents the successful implementation of this deal." —@POTUS #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/0CbMDkgkIL | "I will veto any legislation that prevents the successful implementation of this deal." —@POTUS #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/0CbMDkgkIL |
| "I have no doubt that 10 or 15 years from now, the person who holds this office will be in a far stronger position" —@POTUS #IranDeal | "I have no doubt that 10 or 15 years from now, the person who holds this office will be in a far stronger position" —@POTUS #IranDeal |
| Updated | |
| at 12.17pm BST | |
| 12.10pm BST | |
| 12:10 | |
| More from Obama ... | More from Obama ... |
| "Because of this deal, Iran will not produce...highly enriched uranium & weapons-grade plutonium" —@POTUS #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/JTKu2jQKau | "Because of this deal, Iran will not produce...highly enriched uranium & weapons-grade plutonium" —@POTUS #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/JTKu2jQKau |
| "Because of this deal, Iran will remove two-thirds of its installed centrifuges" —@POTUS #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/I6e8uvuchf | "Because of this deal, Iran will remove two-thirds of its installed centrifuges" —@POTUS #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/I6e8uvuchf |
| Obama said the deal was testament to the success of US sanctions against Iran. | Obama said the deal was testament to the success of US sanctions against Iran. |
| "We put sanctions in place to get a diplomatic resolution, and that is what we have done." —@POTUS: http://t.co/3PJ1t0Zk7U #IranDeal | "We put sanctions in place to get a diplomatic resolution, and that is what we have done." —@POTUS: http://t.co/3PJ1t0Zk7U #IranDeal |
| Updated | |
| at 12.11pm BST | |
| 12.07pm BST | |
| 12:07 | |
| Obama: deal meets every US bottom line | Obama: deal meets every US bottom line |
| Obama says the deal is in the tradition of US leadership. | Obama says the deal is in the tradition of US leadership. |
| Speaking in the White House he says: | Speaking in the White House he says: |
| “A comprehensive, long-term deal with Iran that will prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon. | “A comprehensive, long-term deal with Iran that will prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon. |
| “This deal demonstrates that American diplomacy can bring about real and meaningful change. | “This deal demonstrates that American diplomacy can bring about real and meaningful change. |
| “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. | “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate. |
| “This deal meets every single one of the bottom lines...we established when we achieved a framework earlier this spring. | “This deal meets every single one of the bottom lines...we established when we achieved a framework earlier this spring. |
| “Every pathway to a nuclear weapon is cut off.” | “Every pathway to a nuclear weapon is cut off.” |
| "Every pathway to a nuclear weapon is cut off." —@POTUS: http://t.co/3PJ1t0Zk7U #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/stPeYR1iri | "Every pathway to a nuclear weapon is cut off." —@POTUS: http://t.co/3PJ1t0Zk7U #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/stPeYR1iri |
| 12.02pm BST | |
| 12:02 | |
| Obama statement - live stream | Obama statement - live stream |
| Meanwhile, Obama is giving a statement in the White House. | Meanwhile, Obama is giving a statement in the White House. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.16pm BST | |
| 12.00pm BST | |
| 12:00 | |
| Full text of joint statement | Full text of joint statement |
| Here’s the full text of the joint statement: | Here’s the full text of the joint statement: |
| Today is an historic day. | Today is an historic day. |
| It is a great honour for us to announce that we have reached an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue. | It is a great honour for us to announce that we have reached an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue. |
| With courage, political will, mutual respect and leadership, we delivered on what the world was hoping for: a shared commitment to peace and to join hands in order to make our world safer. This is an historic day also because we are creating the conditions for building trust and opening a new chapter in our relationship. | With courage, political will, mutual respect and leadership, we delivered on what the world was hoping for: a shared commitment to peace and to join hands in order to make our world safer. This is an historic day also because we are creating the conditions for building trust and opening a new chapter in our relationship. |
| This achievement is the result of a collective effort. | This achievement is the result of a collective effort. |
| No one ever thought it would be easy. Historic decisions never are. But despite all twists and turns of the talks, and the number of extensions, hope and determination enabled us to overcome all the difficult moments. We have always been aware we had a responsibility to our generation and the future ones. | No one ever thought it would be easy. Historic decisions never are. But despite all twists and turns of the talks, and the number of extensions, hope and determination enabled us to overcome all the difficult moments. We have always been aware we had a responsibility to our generation and the future ones. |
| Thanks to the constructive engagement of all parties, and the dedication and ability of our teams, we have successfully concluded negotiations and resolved a dispute that lasted more than 10 years. | Thanks to the constructive engagement of all parties, and the dedication and ability of our teams, we have successfully concluded negotiations and resolved a dispute that lasted more than 10 years. |
| Many people brought these difficult negotiations forward during the last decade and we would like to thank all of them - as we would like to thank the International Atomic Energy Agency for its critical contribution and close cooperation as well as the Austrian government for the support and hospitality. | Many people brought these difficult negotiations forward during the last decade and we would like to thank all of them - as we would like to thank the International Atomic Energy Agency for its critical contribution and close cooperation as well as the Austrian government for the support and hospitality. |
| We, the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security policy and the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, together with the Foreign Ministers of the People´s Republic of China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America met here in Vienna, following several months of intensive work, at various levels and in different formats, to negotiate the text of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), based on the key parameters agreed in Lausanne on 2 April. | We, the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security policy and the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, together with the Foreign Ministers of the People´s Republic of China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America met here in Vienna, following several months of intensive work, at various levels and in different formats, to negotiate the text of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), based on the key parameters agreed in Lausanne on 2 April. |
| We have today agreed on the final text of this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action | We have today agreed on the final text of this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action |
| The E3/EU+3 and the Islamic Republic of Iran welcome this historic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which will ensure that Iran’s nuclear programme will be exclusively peaceful, and mark a fundamental shift in their approach to this issue. They anticipate that full implementation of this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action will positively contribute to regional and international peace and security. Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire any nuclear weapons. | The E3/EU+3 and the Islamic Republic of Iran welcome this historic Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which will ensure that Iran’s nuclear programme will be exclusively peaceful, and mark a fundamental shift in their approach to this issue. They anticipate that full implementation of this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action will positively contribute to regional and international peace and security. Iran reaffirms that under no circumstances will Iran ever seek, develop or acquire any nuclear weapons. |
| The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action includes Iran’s own long-term plan with agreed limitations on Iran’s nuclear program, and will produce the comprehensive lifting of all UN Security Council sanctions as well as multilateral and national sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear programme, including steps on access in areas of trade, technology, finance, and energy. | The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action includes Iran’s own long-term plan with agreed limitations on Iran’s nuclear program, and will produce the comprehensive lifting of all UN Security Council sanctions as well as multilateral and national sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear programme, including steps on access in areas of trade, technology, finance, and energy. |
| The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action comprises of a main text, and five technical annexes - on nuclear, sanctions, civil nuclear energy cooperation, a joint commission, and implementation. These documents are detailed and specific: that is important because all sides wanted clarity so as to ensure the full and effective implementation of the agreement. | The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action comprises of a main text, and five technical annexes - on nuclear, sanctions, civil nuclear energy cooperation, a joint commission, and implementation. These documents are detailed and specific: that is important because all sides wanted clarity so as to ensure the full and effective implementation of the agreement. |
| The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is a balanced deal that respects the interests of all sides. It is also complex, detailed and technical: we cannot fully summarise the agreement now. But the full main text and all its annexes will be made public still today and will be presented within the next few days by the E3+3 to the Security Council for endorsement. | The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is a balanced deal that respects the interests of all sides. It is also complex, detailed and technical: we cannot fully summarise the agreement now. But the full main text and all its annexes will be made public still today and will be presented within the next few days by the E3+3 to the Security Council for endorsement. |
| We know that this agreement will be subject to intense scrutiny. But what we are announcing today is not only a deal but a good deal. And a good deal for all sides – and the wider international community. | We know that this agreement will be subject to intense scrutiny. But what we are announcing today is not only a deal but a good deal. And a good deal for all sides – and the wider international community. |
| This agreement opens new possibilities and a way forward to end a crisis that has lasted for more than 10 years. We are committed to make sure this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is fully implemented, counting also on the contribution of the International Atomic Energy Agency. | This agreement opens new possibilities and a way forward to end a crisis that has lasted for more than 10 years. We are committed to make sure this Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is fully implemented, counting also on the contribution of the International Atomic Energy Agency. |
| We call on the world community to support the implementation of this historic effort. | We call on the world community to support the implementation of this historic effort. |
| This is the conclusion of our negotiations, but this is not the end of our common work. We will keep doing this important task together. | This is the conclusion of our negotiations, but this is not the end of our common work. We will keep doing this important task together. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.02pm BST | |
| 11.56am BST | |
| 11:56 | |
| Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif begins to read the same statement given by Mogherini in Persian. “Don’t worry it’s the same statement” he said with a big smile. | Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif begins to read the same statement given by Mogherini in Persian. “Don’t worry it’s the same statement” he said with a big smile. |
| 11.54am BST | |
| 11:54 | |
| Mogherini says the final text has been agreed. It will ensure that Iran’s nuclear programme will be exclusively peaceful, she says. In return all UN sanctions against Iran will be lifted, she says. She says it is balanced deal that respects wishes of all sides. | Mogherini says the final text has been agreed. It will ensure that Iran’s nuclear programme will be exclusively peaceful, she says. In return all UN sanctions against Iran will be lifted, she says. She says it is balanced deal that respects wishes of all sides. |
| “We know that this deal with be subject to intense scrutiny,” she says and insists it is a “good deal”. We call on the world community to endorse the deal, she says. | “We know that this deal with be subject to intense scrutiny,” she says and insists it is a “good deal”. We call on the world community to endorse the deal, she says. |
| 11.51am BST | |
| 11:51 | |
| Mogherini says the talks have delivered what the world was waiting for. “This is a historic day”, she says. Despite twists and turns, hope and determination allowed us to overcome difficult moments, she says. We have solved a dispute that lasted more than 10 years, she says. | Mogherini says the talks have delivered what the world was waiting for. “This is a historic day”, she says. Despite twists and turns, hope and determination allowed us to overcome difficult moments, she says. We have solved a dispute that lasted more than 10 years, she says. |
| 11.47am BST | |
| 11:47 | |
| The foreign ministers are gathering for the family photo. They include European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Russian Foreign Minister Sergeis Lavrov, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, US Secretary of State John Kerry, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, and German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier. | The foreign ministers are gathering for the family photo. They include European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Russian Foreign Minister Sergeis Lavrov, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, US Secretary of State John Kerry, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, and German Foreign Minister Frank Walter Steinmeier. |
| Updated | |
| at 11.48am BST | |
| 11.42am BST | |
| 11:42 | |
| The post-agreement press conference of foreign ministers is about to get underway in Vienna. | The post-agreement press conference of foreign ministers is about to get underway in Vienna. |
| Meanwhile the former head of the IAEA Mohamed ElBaradei has also hailed the agreement as a triumph of diplomacy. | Meanwhile the former head of the IAEA Mohamed ElBaradei has also hailed the agreement as a triumph of diplomacy. |
| Dialogue focused on trust building & based on fairness ,respect & mutual security proven yet again only way to resolve conflicts. #IranDeal | Dialogue focused on trust building & based on fairness ,respect & mutual security proven yet again only way to resolve conflicts. #IranDeal |
| Updated | |
| at 11.44am BST | |
| 11.35am BST | |
| 11:35 | |
| Full text? | Full text? |
| Russia’s foreign ministry has published what appears to be the full text of the deal, according to BuzzFeed. | Russia’s foreign ministry has published what appears to be the full text of the deal, according to BuzzFeed. |
| It runs to 159 pages. | It runs to 159 pages. |
| Updated | |
| at 11.39am BST | |
| 11.32am BST | |
| 11:32 | |
| Peter Beaumont | Peter Beaumont |
| Israel continues to attack the deal in alarmist terms, writes Peter Beaumont. | Israel continues to attack the deal in alarmist terms, writes Peter Beaumont. |
| Naftali Bennett, education minister and leader of the far right Bayit Yehudi, like others makes a not so veiled comparison to Munich and appeasement. “The history books have been rewritten again today, and this period will be deemed particularly grave and dangerous.” | Naftali Bennett, education minister and leader of the far right Bayit Yehudi, like others makes a not so veiled comparison to Munich and appeasement. “The history books have been rewritten again today, and this period will be deemed particularly grave and dangerous.” |
| “Western citizens who get up for another day at work or school, are not aware of the fact that about half a trillion dollars has been transferred to the hands of a terrorist superpower, the most dangerous country in the world, who has promised the destruction of nations and peoples.” | “Western citizens who get up for another day at work or school, are not aware of the fact that about half a trillion dollars has been transferred to the hands of a terrorist superpower, the most dangerous country in the world, who has promised the destruction of nations and peoples.” |
| “Today it may be us, tomorrow it may reach every country in the form of suitcase bombs in London or New York. Israel has done everything possible to warn of danger and in the end it will follow its own interests and will do whatever it takes to defend itself.” | “Today it may be us, tomorrow it may reach every country in the form of suitcase bombs in London or New York. Israel has done everything possible to warn of danger and in the end it will follow its own interests and will do whatever it takes to defend itself.” |
| Meanwhile interior minister Silvan Shalom is equally hyperbolic. “You have to realise: even if they comply with every detail of the agreement, which is not at all clear, in ten years they will be completely free. They will able to produce a nuclear bomb, not one, but dozens and hundreds. | Meanwhile interior minister Silvan Shalom is equally hyperbolic. “You have to realise: even if they comply with every detail of the agreement, which is not at all clear, in ten years they will be completely free. They will able to produce a nuclear bomb, not one, but dozens and hundreds. |
| “Which of course will be an existential threat to the State of Israel and an existential threat to the entire region, and this will lead to an arms race by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, who will all have one thing in common maybe, that they will have missiles with nuclear warheads aimed at the State of Israel.” | “Which of course will be an existential threat to the State of Israel and an existential threat to the entire region, and this will lead to an arms race by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, who will all have one thing in common maybe, that they will have missiles with nuclear warheads aimed at the State of Israel.” |
| (Lest we forget Israel is estimated to have some 200 nuclear warheads.) | (Lest we forget Israel is estimated to have some 200 nuclear warheads.) |
| Like a number of other Israeli officials interviewed on and off the record Shalom makes clear that Israel’s solution was to squeeze Iran with sanctions to the edge of regime collapse or beyond. | Like a number of other Israeli officials interviewed on and off the record Shalom makes clear that Israel’s solution was to squeeze Iran with sanctions to the edge of regime collapse or beyond. |
| “If the sanctions had been stiffer, that would have helped of course and they would have ultimately dropped their nuclear program. | “If the sanctions had been stiffer, that would have helped of course and they would have ultimately dropped their nuclear program. |
| “Because if the choice was between losing power and developing nuclear weapons, they would have opted for holding onto their regime. And if the sanctions were much more intense then ultimately they would have realized that the very existence of their regime was in danger and then their choice would have been obvious.” | “Because if the choice was between losing power and developing nuclear weapons, they would have opted for holding onto their regime. And if the sanctions were much more intense then ultimately they would have realized that the very existence of their regime was in danger and then their choice would have been obvious.” |
| 11.27am BST | |
| 11:27 | |
| Iran analyst Tyler Cullis picks out the section of the deal about the resumption of imports and exports to Iran. There’s even a section on pistachios and caviar. | Iran analyst Tyler Cullis picks out the section of the deal about the resumption of imports and exports to Iran. There’s even a section on pistachios and caviar. |
| Here's the US trade sanctions to be lifted: pic.twitter.com/DtY05c7hIS | Here's the US trade sanctions to be lifted: pic.twitter.com/DtY05c7hIS |
| 11.22am BST | |
| 11:22 | |
| Details of the deal | Details of the deal |
| Ali Vaez, an Iran analysst for the International Crisis Group, appears to have got hold of a copy of the deal and is picking out highlights: | Ali Vaez, an Iran analysst for the International Crisis Group, appears to have got hold of a copy of the deal and is picking out highlights: |
| A very creative solution was found to deal w the arms embargo: restrictions on defensive arms will be lifted before those on offensive arms | A very creative solution was found to deal w the arms embargo: restrictions on defensive arms will be lifted before those on offensive arms |
| 800 Iranian individuals and entities will be delisted from the list of multilateral and international sanctions | 800 Iranian individuals and entities will be delisted from the list of multilateral and international sanctions |
| The UN ban on Iranian students ability to study nuclear physics will be lifted. Very positive ... | The UN ban on Iranian students ability to study nuclear physics will be lifted. Very positive ... |
| The IR-6 and IR-8 centrifuges will be tested at laboratory level in the first 8 years of the #IranDeal | The IR-6 and IR-8 centrifuges will be tested at laboratory level in the first 8 years of the #IranDeal |
| Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium will be partly sold on the international market, partly diluted, and partly converted into fuel | Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium will be partly sold on the international market, partly diluted, and partly converted into fuel |
| According to the #IranDeal the excess centrifuges will be stored on-site in Natanz | According to the #IranDeal the excess centrifuges will be stored on-site in Natanz |
| According to the #IranDeal, Iran has not allowed the IAEA to use remote streaming cameras at nuclear facilities | According to the #IranDeal, Iran has not allowed the IAEA to use remote streaming cameras at nuclear facilities |
| 11.16am BST | |
| 11:16 | |
| Prominent Iranian political figures have been giving their reaction. | Prominent Iranian political figures have been giving their reaction. |
| Related: Iran nuclear deal: political figures react to landmark agreement | Related: Iran nuclear deal: political figures react to landmark agreement |
| 11.13am BST | |
| 11:13 | |
| The UN’s secretary general Ban Ki-moon has hailed the deal as a victory for diplomacy. His office has just issued this statement: | The UN’s secretary general Ban Ki-moon has hailed the deal as a victory for diplomacy. His office has just issued this statement: |
| I warmly welcome the historic agreement in Vienna today and congratulate the P5+1 and Iran for reaching this agreement. This is testament to the value of dialogue. | I warmly welcome the historic agreement in Vienna today and congratulate the P5+1 and Iran for reaching this agreement. This is testament to the value of dialogue. |
| I know that an immense amount of work went into this, and I admire the determination and the commitment of the negotiators – as well as the courage of the leaders who approved the deal that was so painstakingly worked out by their teams in Vienna and elsewhere. | I know that an immense amount of work went into this, and I admire the determination and the commitment of the negotiators – as well as the courage of the leaders who approved the deal that was so painstakingly worked out by their teams in Vienna and elsewhere. |
| I hope – and indeed believe – that this agreement will lead to greater mutual understanding and cooperation on the many serious security challenges in the Middle East. As such it could serve as a vital contribution to peace and stability both in the region and beyond. | I hope – and indeed believe – that this agreement will lead to greater mutual understanding and cooperation on the many serious security challenges in the Middle East. As such it could serve as a vital contribution to peace and stability both in the region and beyond. |
| The United Nations stands ready to fully cooperate with the parties in the process of implementing this historic and important agreement. | The United Nations stands ready to fully cooperate with the parties in the process of implementing this historic and important agreement. |
| Updated | |
| at 11.14am BST | |
| 11.08am BST | |
| 11:08 | |
| Netanyahu continues to attack the talks. Speaking at a press conference with his Dutch counterpart the Israeli PM said he had not heard a word of condemnation from those involved in the talks about Iran’s calls for Israel’s destruction. | Netanyahu continues to attack the talks. Speaking at a press conference with his Dutch counterpart the Israeli PM said he had not heard a word of condemnation from those involved in the talks about Iran’s calls for Israel’s destruction. |
| 11.03am BST | |
| 11:03 | |
| Mogherini tweets from the final closed plenary that the deal has really been done and the talks are now over. | Mogherini tweets from the final closed plenary that the deal has really been done and the talks are now over. |
| #IranTalks done. We have the agreement. #IranDeal | #IranTalks done. We have the agreement. #IranDeal |
| 11.01am BST | |
| 11:01 | |
| Sweden’s former prime minister Carl Bildt has urged Netanyahu to pipe down. | Sweden’s former prime minister Carl Bildt has urged Netanyahu to pipe down. |
| If Israel really believed that Iran was on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons it should be the greatest supporter of today’s agreement. | If Israel really believed that Iran was on the verge of acquiring nuclear weapons it should be the greatest supporter of today’s agreement. |
| 10.53am BST | |
| 10:53 | |
| Obama to give statement at 7am EST | Obama to give statement at 7am EST |
| President Obama is due to give a statement on the deal in just over an hour. | President Obama is due to give a statement on the deal in just over an hour. |
| Breaking: @POTUS will deliver a statement on Iran at 7am Eastern time. #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/6U2MxA2si8 | Breaking: @POTUS will deliver a statement on Iran at 7am Eastern time. #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/6U2MxA2si8 |
| Meanwhile his Iranian counterpart is expected to get in their first. | Meanwhile his Iranian counterpart is expected to get in their first. |
| Will be addressing the nation shortly re #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/HZMFiJdZwc | Will be addressing the nation shortly re #IranDeal pic.twitter.com/HZMFiJdZwc |
| Updated | |
| at 10.56am BST | |
| 10.49am BST | |
| 10:49 | |
| Iranian president Hassan Rouhani says the deal will open “new horizons” now that “this unnecessary crisis” has been resolved, AFP reports. | Iranian president Hassan Rouhani says the deal will open “new horizons” now that “this unnecessary crisis” has been resolved, AFP reports. |
| In a message on his Twitter account, Rouhani said the successful talks had shown “constructive engagement works.” | In a message on his Twitter account, Rouhani said the successful talks had shown “constructive engagement works.” |
| There can now be “a focus on shared challenges”, he added, alluding to Sunni Muslim extremists of the Islamic State group, who from their base in Iraq and Syria are launching attacks on both Shiite and Western targets worldwide. | There can now be “a focus on shared challenges”, he added, alluding to Sunni Muslim extremists of the Islamic State group, who from their base in Iraq and Syria are launching attacks on both Shiite and Western targets worldwide. |
| Since his election in 2013, Rouhani has sought to end the 13-year-old standoff with Western governments over Iran’s controversial nuclear programme - and with it the sanctions that have paralysed Iran’s economy. | Since his election in 2013, Rouhani has sought to end the 13-year-old standoff with Western governments over Iran’s controversial nuclear programme - and with it the sanctions that have paralysed Iran’s economy. |
| #IranDeal shows constructive engagement works. With this unnecessary crisis resolved, new horizons emerge with a focus on shared challenges. | #IranDeal shows constructive engagement works. With this unnecessary crisis resolved, new horizons emerge with a focus on shared challenges. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.59am BST | |
| 10.45am BST | |
| 10:45 | |
| Saeed Kamali Dehghan | Saeed Kamali Dehghan |
| The deal represents a “major psychological boost” to Iran, according to Dr Hassan Hakimian, director of the London Middle East Institute at SOAS, University of London. | The deal represents a “major psychological boost” to Iran, according to Dr Hassan Hakimian, director of the London Middle East Institute at SOAS, University of London. |
| “Although sanctions relief will not mean the end of Iran’s economic woes, there is little doubt that, in the short term at least, announcing a comprehensive nuclear agreement will come as a major psychological boost to trade and investment flows within Iran as well as externally. | “Although sanctions relief will not mean the end of Iran’s economic woes, there is little doubt that, in the short term at least, announcing a comprehensive nuclear agreement will come as a major psychological boost to trade and investment flows within Iran as well as externally. |
| Iran’s potential benefit from this agreement can be likened to a ‘peace dividend’ from cessation of a period of hostility and economic isolation. The removal of some of the toughest restrictions against Iran’s economy will also offer European and Asian businesses a major new market especially in areas such as consumer goods as well as infrastructure, auto industry, tourism and hospitality.” | Iran’s potential benefit from this agreement can be likened to a ‘peace dividend’ from cessation of a period of hostility and economic isolation. The removal of some of the toughest restrictions against Iran’s economy will also offer European and Asian businesses a major new market especially in areas such as consumer goods as well as infrastructure, auto industry, tourism and hospitality.” |
| 10.42am BST | |
| 10:42 | |
| Israel continues its steady stream of criticism of the deal. | Israel continues its steady stream of criticism of the deal. |
| World powers have made far-reaching concessions in all areas that were supposed to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons capability. | World powers have made far-reaching concessions in all areas that were supposed to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons capability. |
| Peter Beaumont has more... | Peter Beaumont has more... |
| Related: Netanyahu denounces Iran nuclear deal but faces criticism from within Israel | Related: Netanyahu denounces Iran nuclear deal but faces criticism from within Israel |
| 10.38am BST | |
| 10:38 | |
| Related: Iran’s nuclear deal could allow its people to thrive again | Azadeh Moaveni | Related: Iran’s nuclear deal could allow its people to thrive again | Azadeh Moaveni |
| 10.34am BST | |
| 10:34 | |
| Here’s video of the remarks given by Mogherini and Zarif before they went into a final closed session. | Here’s video of the remarks given by Mogherini and Zarif before they went into a final closed session. |
| 10.31am BST | |
| 10:31 | |
| France’s foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, says the nuclear deal will be sufficiently solid for at least 10 years and that major powers would watch carefully how Iran uses money from the lifting of sanctions, Reuters reports. | France’s foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, says the nuclear deal will be sufficiently solid for at least 10 years and that major powers would watch carefully how Iran uses money from the lifting of sanctions, Reuters reports. |
| France’s stance “of constructive firmness enabled a sufficiently robust agreement, at least for the period of the first 10 years,” he told French daily Le Monde. “It is in this spirit that we will watch over its implementation.” | France’s stance “of constructive firmness enabled a sufficiently robust agreement, at least for the period of the first 10 years,” he told French daily Le Monde. “It is in this spirit that we will watch over its implementation.” |
| When asked whether he was concerned Iran could seek to destabilise the region using money it will receive from the lifting of sanctions he said: “It will be one of the tests and we will be extremely vigilant.” | When asked whether he was concerned Iran could seek to destabilise the region using money it will receive from the lifting of sanctions he said: “It will be one of the tests and we will be extremely vigilant.” |
| Fabius also said he did not think French firms would be penalised by Iran despite Paris’ perceived tough stance in the nuclear talks, adding that he may travel to Tehran. | Fabius also said he did not think French firms would be penalised by Iran despite Paris’ perceived tough stance in the nuclear talks, adding that he may travel to Tehran. |
| 10.31am BST | |
| 10:31 | |
| Matthew Weaver | Matthew Weaver |
| The key detail to watch out for in the deal is the inspection arrangements for suspect sites, according to Dennis Ross, a former adviser on Iran to both presidents Bush and Obama. | The key detail to watch out for in the deal is the inspection arrangements for suspect sites, according to Dennis Ross, a former adviser on Iran to both presidents Bush and Obama. |
| The US has been trying to secure “no notice” inspections of nuclear sites in the face of resistance from Iran. | The US has been trying to secure “no notice” inspections of nuclear sites in the face of resistance from Iran. |
| Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Ross outlined a number of questions he was seeking answers to in the small print of the agreement. He asked: “How much control do the Iranians have over that [inspections]? Are they able to affect the timing of that. When the Iranians talk about managed access [to those sites] does that mean that basically they are in a position to have time [discrepancy] to resist access to the site? The more we know about those questions the more comfortable I will be.” | Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Ross outlined a number of questions he was seeking answers to in the small print of the agreement. He asked: “How much control do the Iranians have over that [inspections]? Are they able to affect the timing of that. When the Iranians talk about managed access [to those sites] does that mean that basically they are in a position to have time [discrepancy] to resist access to the site? The more we know about those questions the more comfortable I will be.” |
| Former UN weapons inspectors Scott Ritter, who had warned that Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction in the runup to the Iraq war, says Iran has been right to resist “no notice” inspections. | Former UN weapons inspectors Scott Ritter, who had warned that Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction in the runup to the Iraq war, says Iran has been right to resist “no notice” inspections. |
| Writing in the London Review of Books he says: | Writing in the London Review of Books he says: |
| “Iran has been put in the impossible position of having to prove a negative. If it accepts inspections based on allegations it knows to be baseless, then it’s opening itself up to an endless cycle of foreign intrusion into its military and security infrastructure, and the inability of inspectors to discover something of relevance will only reinforce the belief that something is being hidden. We saw this happen before in Iraq, and the end result was a war based on flawed intelligence and baseless accusations that left many thousands dead and a region in turmoil.” | “Iran has been put in the impossible position of having to prove a negative. If it accepts inspections based on allegations it knows to be baseless, then it’s opening itself up to an endless cycle of foreign intrusion into its military and security infrastructure, and the inability of inspectors to discover something of relevance will only reinforce the belief that something is being hidden. We saw this happen before in Iraq, and the end result was a war based on flawed intelligence and baseless accusations that left many thousands dead and a region in turmoil.” |
| 10.20am BST | |
| 10:20 | |
| Saeed Kamali Dehghan | Saeed Kamali Dehghan |
| Saeed Kamali Dehghan has been gauging reaction from Iranian business leaders to the prospects of sanctions relief and an end to Iran’s international isolation. | Saeed Kamali Dehghan has been gauging reaction from Iranian business leaders to the prospects of sanctions relief and an end to Iran’s international isolation. |
| Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, who is organising a gathering of Iranian business leaders in Geneva in September, told him: | Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, who is organising a gathering of Iranian business leaders in Geneva in September, told him: |
| “In the near term, the economic uplift from the nuclear deal will be domestic. At a very basic level, the prospect of sanctions relief, will give Iranians the confidence to start thinking more long-term about their financial futures. The key change will be less spending and more saving and investment. For individuals this means growing a nest-egg. For companies this means investing in new employees or capital assets. Taken together, more private capital in Iran will be put towards productive ends, driving economic growth.” | “In the near term, the economic uplift from the nuclear deal will be domestic. At a very basic level, the prospect of sanctions relief, will give Iranians the confidence to start thinking more long-term about their financial futures. The key change will be less spending and more saving and investment. For individuals this means growing a nest-egg. For companies this means investing in new employees or capital assets. Taken together, more private capital in Iran will be put towards productive ends, driving economic growth.” |
| “With sanctions relief, foreign investment will begin to come online in the next 6-12 months. Major multinational corporations have already begun planning new or expanded business in Iran, where consumer-focused sectors like electronics, luxury, and the hospitality and leisure will provide the best near-term opportunities.” | “With sanctions relief, foreign investment will begin to come online in the next 6-12 months. Major multinational corporations have already begun planning new or expanded business in Iran, where consumer-focused sectors like electronics, luxury, and the hospitality and leisure will provide the best near-term opportunities.” |
| Amir Ali Handjani, an Iranian-American energy executive with extensive experience in the region said: | Amir Ali Handjani, an Iranian-American energy executive with extensive experience in the region said: |
| “Once the deal is announced there will be a period of time before it starts to be implemented. Its unclear if Iran will see tangible sanctions relief before Congress has weighed in and the UN Security Council resolution is passed. In the interim expect both the Iranian Rial and Tehran stock exchange to rally. Consumer confidence and domestic public sentiment will soar.” | “Once the deal is announced there will be a period of time before it starts to be implemented. Its unclear if Iran will see tangible sanctions relief before Congress has weighed in and the UN Security Council resolution is passed. In the interim expect both the Iranian Rial and Tehran stock exchange to rally. Consumer confidence and domestic public sentiment will soar.” |
| “I wouldn’t anticipated any major international financial institution or multi national conglomerate to rush into Iran because of an announcement of a nuclear deal. They will wait until that deal gets the approval of the US Congress and a resolution is passed by UN Security Council; even then they will be cautious. I would expect second and third tier firms to be first movers. They have less bureaucracy to manage and can be more nimble.” | “I wouldn’t anticipated any major international financial institution or multi national conglomerate to rush into Iran because of an announcement of a nuclear deal. They will wait until that deal gets the approval of the US Congress and a resolution is passed by UN Security Council; even then they will be cautious. I would expect second and third tier firms to be first movers. They have less bureaucracy to manage and can be more nimble.” |
| “In the meantime expect companies that are already doing business in Iran who have US Treasury (OFAC approval) and EU green light in the areas of humanitarian trade such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals to perhaps increase their exposure to the Iranian market. I would also expect Iran to aggressively pursue the purchase of new airplanes from the likes of Boeing and Airbus.” | “In the meantime expect companies that are already doing business in Iran who have US Treasury (OFAC approval) and EU green light in the areas of humanitarian trade such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals to perhaps increase their exposure to the Iranian market. I would also expect Iran to aggressively pursue the purchase of new airplanes from the likes of Boeing and Airbus.” |
| “In terms of Iran’s ability to sell crude, I think that is where we will see the most immediate loosening up of restrictions. Iran has between 40 and 50 million barrels of crude at sea. Expect this crude to come to the market in short order. They will start competing fiercely to regain market share that they have lost to their Persian Gulf neighbors. Unfortunately for Iran the timing couldn’t be worse. Oil prices are depressed and already their is a glut of oil on the market. Adding Iran’s crude will put further downward pressure on oil prices.” | “In terms of Iran’s ability to sell crude, I think that is where we will see the most immediate loosening up of restrictions. Iran has between 40 and 50 million barrels of crude at sea. Expect this crude to come to the market in short order. They will start competing fiercely to regain market share that they have lost to their Persian Gulf neighbors. Unfortunately for Iran the timing couldn’t be worse. Oil prices are depressed and already their is a glut of oil on the market. Adding Iran’s crude will put further downward pressure on oil prices.” |
| 10.09am BST | |
| 10:09 | |
| Zarif hails win-win deal | Zarif hails win-win deal |
| Zarif describes the agreement as a “win-win” solution but not perfect. He says the deal would open new horizons for dealing with serious problems that affect our international community. He added: “I believe this is a historic moment. We are reaching an agreement that is not perfect for anybody but is what we could accomplish. Today could have been the end of hope, but now we are starting a new chapter of hope.” | Zarif describes the agreement as a “win-win” solution but not perfect. He says the deal would open new horizons for dealing with serious problems that affect our international community. He added: “I believe this is a historic moment. We are reaching an agreement that is not perfect for anybody but is what we could accomplish. Today could have been the end of hope, but now we are starting a new chapter of hope.” |
| Mogherini said the agreements would “open the way to a new chapter in international relations” and show that diplomacy can overcome decades of tension. “This is a sign of hope for the entire world,” she said. | Mogherini said the agreements would “open the way to a new chapter in international relations” and show that diplomacy can overcome decades of tension. “This is a sign of hope for the entire world,” she said. |
| #IranTalks @FedericaMog: the decision we are going to take is much more than a nuclear deal.It can open a new chapter pic.twitter.com/Tm6KU1hZt0 | #IranTalks @FedericaMog: the decision we are going to take is much more than a nuclear deal.It can open a new chapter pic.twitter.com/Tm6KU1hZt0 |
| Ministers from the P5+1, the EU, and Iran this morning at the #IranTalksVienna. Final plenary about to start. pic.twitter.com/dkIC2vrR5n | Ministers from the P5+1, the EU, and Iran this morning at the #IranTalksVienna. Final plenary about to start. pic.twitter.com/dkIC2vrR5n |
| Updated | |
| at 10.21am BST | |
| 9.55am BST | |
| 09:55 | |
| The foreign ministers who took part in the talks are gathering for a photo-call and possible press conference in Vienna. EU high representative Federica Mogherini and Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, are all smiles. | The foreign ministers who took part in the talks are gathering for a photo-call and possible press conference in Vienna. EU high representative Federica Mogherini and Iran’s foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, are all smiles. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.37am BST | |
| 9.48am BST | |
| 09:48 | |
| Iran’s state media are putting a positive spin on the deal by pointing out that Iran’s nuclear facilities will continue to operate. | Iran’s state media are putting a positive spin on the deal by pointing out that Iran’s nuclear facilities will continue to operate. |
| IRAN DEAL UPDATE Iran will maintain nuclear infrastructure, research & development on advanced centrifuges to go on pic.twitter.com/dVoGTbmH7S | IRAN DEAL UPDATE Iran will maintain nuclear infrastructure, research & development on advanced centrifuges to go on pic.twitter.com/dVoGTbmH7S |
| Updated | |
| at 10.21am BST | |
| 9.45am BST | |
| 09:45 | |
| Peter Beaumont | Peter Beaumont |
| It is hard to see the Iran deal as anything except a comprehensive defeat for the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, writes Peter Beaumont in Jerusalem. | It is hard to see the Iran deal as anything except a comprehensive defeat for the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, writes Peter Beaumont in Jerusalem. |
| He has been singing from the same song sheet for two decades warning in catastrophic terms about the threat of a nuclear Iran but – when it came to the crunch – world powers chose to go with negotiations and a deal not with the Israeli prime minister’s dire warnings. | He has been singing from the same song sheet for two decades warning in catastrophic terms about the threat of a nuclear Iran but – when it came to the crunch – world powers chose to go with negotiations and a deal not with the Israeli prime minister’s dire warnings. |
| While Israeli officials have been at pains to say they will go ahead with their own strategy – including the usual warnings that a military option is still on the table – in reality it is hard to see that happening. | While Israeli officials have been at pains to say they will go ahead with their own strategy – including the usual warnings that a military option is still on the table – in reality it is hard to see that happening. |
| And despite a deal that appears far tougher than many had anticipated it is pretty clear now that no deal with Iran, no matter how tough, could ever satisfy Israel and certainly not Netanyahu. | And despite a deal that appears far tougher than many had anticipated it is pretty clear now that no deal with Iran, no matter how tough, could ever satisfy Israel and certainly not Netanyahu. |
| While the Israeli government has said it will continue fighting in the US Congress it is hard to see how that strategy will help Israel in the long run at a time when it is becoming ever more diplomatically isolated. | While the Israeli government has said it will continue fighting in the US Congress it is hard to see how that strategy will help Israel in the long run at a time when it is becoming ever more diplomatically isolated. |
| "Netanyahu's loneliness", a cartoon on the front page of @EtemadDaily in #Tehran on #IranTalks #IranTalksVienna pic.twitter.com/t7dbELlTWz | "Netanyahu's loneliness", a cartoon on the front page of @EtemadDaily in #Tehran on #IranTalks #IranTalksVienna pic.twitter.com/t7dbELlTWz |
| Updated | |
| at 10.21am BST | |
| 9.36am BST | |
| 09:36 | |
| IAEA agrees 'roadmap' with Iran | IAEA agrees 'roadmap' with Iran |
| The office of Iran’s president, Hassan Rouhani, has tweeted pictures of Iranian officials signing a proposed ‘roadmap’ with the IAEA chief Yukiya Amano over nuclear inspections. | The office of Iran’s president, Hassan Rouhani, has tweeted pictures of Iranian officials signing a proposed ‘roadmap’ with the IAEA chief Yukiya Amano over nuclear inspections. |
| Just now, Iran and @iaeaorg agree to accelerate cooperation with aim to fully resolve all prior issues. #IranTalks pic.twitter.com/MjtKsfCvsO | Just now, Iran and @iaeaorg agree to accelerate cooperation with aim to fully resolve all prior issues. #IranTalks pic.twitter.com/MjtKsfCvsO |
| The IAEA confirmed the agreed road map. | The IAEA confirmed the agreed road map. |
| #IAEA & #Iran signed today a "Road-map for clarification of past & present outstanding issues regarding Iran's #nuclear program" #IranTalks | #IAEA & #Iran signed today a "Road-map for clarification of past & present outstanding issues regarding Iran's #nuclear program" #IranTalks |
| Reuters adds: | Reuters adds: |
| International Atomic Energy Agency signed a roadmap with Iran on Tuesday with the aim of resolving all outstanding questions it has about the country’s nuclear programme by the end of the year, the IAEA’s director general said on Tuesday. | International Atomic Energy Agency signed a roadmap with Iran on Tuesday with the aim of resolving all outstanding questions it has about the country’s nuclear programme by the end of the year, the IAEA’s director general said on Tuesday. |
| Future access to Iran’s Parchin military site, which the agency had repeatedly sought, is part of a separate arrangement, Yukiya Amano said. | Future access to Iran’s Parchin military site, which the agency had repeatedly sought, is part of a separate arrangement, Yukiya Amano said. |
| “By 15 December 2015, the director general will provide... the final assessment on the resolution of all past and present outstanding issues,” he added. | “By 15 December 2015, the director general will provide... the final assessment on the resolution of all past and present outstanding issues,” he added. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.22am BST | |
| 9.17am BST | |
| 09:17 | |
| Julian Borger | Julian Borger |
| It looks like Reuters has broken the embargo on some of the details of the deal, writes Julian Borger from Vienna. | It looks like Reuters has broken the embargo on some of the details of the deal, writes Julian Borger from Vienna. |
| I can confirm that the conventional arms embargo will last another five years, and restrictions on ballistic missile technology will last eight years. | I can confirm that the conventional arms embargo will last another five years, and restrictions on ballistic missile technology will last eight years. |
| Under a complicated arrangement a violation could lead to the automatic “snapback” of sanctions within 65 days, if a dispute resolution process failed. | Under a complicated arrangement a violation could lead to the automatic “snapback” of sanctions within 65 days, if a dispute resolution process failed. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.27am BST | |
| 9.15am BST | |
| 09:15 | |
| Netanyahu: 'bad deal of historic proportions' | Netanyahu: 'bad deal of historic proportions' |
| Peter Beaumont | Peter Beaumont |
| Reuters quotes Netanyahu saying this is a “bad deal of historic proportions”, which is is exactly what you would expect him to say, writes Peter Beaumont in Jerusalem. | Reuters quotes Netanyahu saying this is a “bad deal of historic proportions”, which is is exactly what you would expect him to say, writes Peter Beaumont in Jerusalem. |
| It is what the Israeli prime minister has been saying for months about the negotiations. The reality is that Netanyahu needs to present the deal as being uniquely awful as Israel’s strategy now will be to try and persuade Congress to block it. Indeed, the Israeli prime minister’s office has set up a task force to campaign to block the deal in Congress. | It is what the Israeli prime minister has been saying for months about the negotiations. The reality is that Netanyahu needs to present the deal as being uniquely awful as Israel’s strategy now will be to try and persuade Congress to block it. Indeed, the Israeli prime minister’s office has set up a task force to campaign to block the deal in Congress. |
| However, if Reuters’ earlier reports about provisions on the continued arms embargo and a 65-day snap-back to sanctions in the event of Iranian non-compliance are correct, it would seem to go some way towards meeting the objections of some Democrats, meaning Israel will face an uphill struggle. | However, if Reuters’ earlier reports about provisions on the continued arms embargo and a 65-day snap-back to sanctions in the event of Iranian non-compliance are correct, it would seem to go some way towards meeting the objections of some Democrats, meaning Israel will face an uphill struggle. |
| ידענו שהרצון לחתום על ההסכם חזק מכל דבר ולכן לא התחייבנו למנוע אותו, כן התחייבנו למנוע מאיראן להתחמש בנשק גרעיני וההתחייבות הזו בעינה עומדת. | ידענו שהרצון לחתום על ההסכם חזק מכל דבר ולכן לא התחייבנו למנוע אותו, כן התחייבנו למנוע מאיראן להתחמש בנשק גרעיני וההתחייבות הזו בעינה עומדת. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.23am BST | |
| 9.12am BST | |
| 09:12 | |
| Yukiya Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said the agreement was a “significant step forward”. Speaking in Vienna, he said provisions in the agreement would allow him to issue a report on the possible military dimension of Iran’s nuclear programme by 15 December 2015. | Yukiya Amano, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said the agreement was a “significant step forward”. Speaking in Vienna, he said provisions in the agreement would allow him to issue a report on the possible military dimension of Iran’s nuclear programme by 15 December 2015. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.24am BST | |
| 8.57am BST | |
| 08:57 | |
| Britain’s former ambassador to Iran Sir Richard Dalton urged Israel to accept the deal. Speaking on the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: | Britain’s former ambassador to Iran Sir Richard Dalton urged Israel to accept the deal. Speaking on the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said: |
| I don’t think it will unnerve Israel. They will have been expecting a deal like this for the best part of a year ... They have put intense pressure on for the toughest possible deal to be obtained. And I hope they will see when they dissect the details ... that this is an agreement that strengthens the security of all in the region including Israel. So it is a hard sell but President Obama and his fellow leaders have shown that they are willing to take the argument to their critics and its essential that they do that now.” | I don’t think it will unnerve Israel. They will have been expecting a deal like this for the best part of a year ... They have put intense pressure on for the toughest possible deal to be obtained. And I hope they will see when they dissect the details ... that this is an agreement that strengthens the security of all in the region including Israel. So it is a hard sell but President Obama and his fellow leaders have shown that they are willing to take the argument to their critics and its essential that they do that now.” |
| Updated | |
| at 10.24am BST | |
| 8.49am BST | |
| 08:49 | |
| There’s been more disappointment from Israel. The deputy foreign minister, Tzipi Hotovely, accused western powers of surrendering to Iran. | There’s been more disappointment from Israel. The deputy foreign minister, Tzipi Hotovely, accused western powers of surrendering to Iran. |
| This agreement is a capitulation of historic proportions by the west to the Iran-led axis of evil. | This agreement is a capitulation of historic proportions by the west to the Iran-led axis of evil. |
| She added: “Israel will act with all means to try and stop the agreement being ratified.” | She added: “Israel will act with all means to try and stop the agreement being ratified.” |
| Updated | |
| at 10.26am BST | |
| 8.35am BST | |
| 08:35 | |
| Reuters is reporting what it says are details of the agreement to be unveiled imminently. | Reuters is reporting what it says are details of the agreement to be unveiled imminently. |
| The Guardian has not yet been able to verify the specifics as mentioned here. | The Guardian has not yet been able to verify the specifics as mentioned here. |
| Reuters says: | Reuters says: |
| Iran has accepted a so-called “snapback” plan that will restore sanctions in 65 days if it violates a deal agreed with six world powers to curb the country’s nuclear programme, diplomats told Reuters on Tuesday. | Iran has accepted a so-called “snapback” plan that will restore sanctions in 65 days if it violates a deal agreed with six world powers to curb the country’s nuclear programme, diplomats told Reuters on Tuesday. |
| The diplomats said a UN arms embargo would remain in place for five years and UN missile sanctions would stay in place for eight years. | The diplomats said a UN arms embargo would remain in place for five years and UN missile sanctions would stay in place for eight years. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.27am BST | |
| 8.34am BST | |
| 08:34 | |
| The key detail to watch out for in the deal is the inspection arrangements for suspect sites, according to Dennis Ross, a former adviser on Iran to both presidents Bush and Obama. | The key detail to watch out for in the deal is the inspection arrangements for suspect sites, according to Dennis Ross, a former adviser on Iran to both presidents Bush and Obama. |
| The US has been trying to secure “no notice” inspections of nuclear sites in the face of resistance from Iran. | The US has been trying to secure “no notice” inspections of nuclear sites in the face of resistance from Iran. |
| Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Ross outlined a number of questions he was seeking answers to in the small print of the agreement. He asked: “How much control do the Iranians have over that [inspections]? Are they able to affect the timing of that. When the Iranians talk about managed access [to those sites] does that mean that basically they are in a position to have time [discrepancy] to resist access to the site? The more we know about those questions the more comfortable I will be.” | Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Ross outlined a number of questions he was seeking answers to in the small print of the agreement. He asked: “How much control do the Iranians have over that [inspections]? Are they able to affect the timing of that. When the Iranians talk about managed access [to those sites] does that mean that basically they are in a position to have time [discrepancy] to resist access to the site? The more we know about those questions the more comfortable I will be.” |
| Former UN weapons inspectors Scott Ritter, who had warned that Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction in the runup to the Iraq war, says Iran has been right to resist “no notice” inspections. | Former UN weapons inspectors Scott Ritter, who had warned that Iraq did not have weapons of mass destruction in the runup to the Iraq war, says Iran has been right to resist “no notice” inspections. |
| Writing in the London Review of Books he says: | Writing in the London Review of Books he says: |
| Iran has been put in the impossible position of having to prove a negative. If it accepts inspections based on allegations it knows to be baseless, then it’s opening itself up to an endless cycle of foreign intrusion into its military and security infrastructure, and the inability of inspectors to discover something of relevance will only reinforce the belief that something is being hidden. We saw this happen before in Iraq, and the end result was a war based on flawed intelligence and baseless accusations that left many thousands dead and a region in turmoil. | Iran has been put in the impossible position of having to prove a negative. If it accepts inspections based on allegations it knows to be baseless, then it’s opening itself up to an endless cycle of foreign intrusion into its military and security infrastructure, and the inability of inspectors to discover something of relevance will only reinforce the belief that something is being hidden. We saw this happen before in Iraq, and the end result was a war based on flawed intelligence and baseless accusations that left many thousands dead and a region in turmoil. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.27am BST | |
| 8.32am BST | |
| 08:32 | |
| An Israeli cabinet minister has said the deal gives Iran a “licence to kill”. | An Israeli cabinet minister has said the deal gives Iran a “licence to kill”. |
| Miri Regev, culture and sports minister and a former military spokeswoman, said the deal was “bad for the free world [and] bad for humanity”. | Miri Regev, culture and sports minister and a former military spokeswoman, said the deal was “bad for the free world [and] bad for humanity”. |
| Regev called for further lobbying against the deal reached in Vienna and said the US Congress could still block it. | Regev called for further lobbying against the deal reached in Vienna and said the US Congress could still block it. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.28am BST | |
| 8.28am BST | |
| 08:28 | |
| The National Iranian American Council has welcomed the deal. In a statement, president Trita Parsi said: | The National Iranian American Council has welcomed the deal. In a statement, president Trita Parsi said: |
| Today, diplomacy has triumphed and war is off the table. The United States and Iran have turned the tide on decades of enmity and instead have secured a nuclear deal that promises a better and brighter future … | Today, diplomacy has triumphed and war is off the table. The United States and Iran have turned the tide on decades of enmity and instead have secured a nuclear deal that promises a better and brighter future … |
| NIAC congratulates President Obama and President Rouhani, Secretary Kerry and foreign minister Zarif, and all of the diplomats that have showed the courage and confidence to undertake these negotiations for peacefully resolving the decades-old nuclear dispute. History will look kindly on their efforts. | NIAC congratulates President Obama and President Rouhani, Secretary Kerry and foreign minister Zarif, and all of the diplomats that have showed the courage and confidence to undertake these negotiations for peacefully resolving the decades-old nuclear dispute. History will look kindly on their efforts. |
| But the statement warns: | But the statement warns: |
| Our negotiators have done their job to win a strong nuclear deal that prevents an Iranian nuclear weapon, all the while avoiding a catastrophic war. Now is the time for Congress to do theirs. | Our negotiators have done their job to win a strong nuclear deal that prevents an Iranian nuclear weapon, all the while avoiding a catastrophic war. Now is the time for Congress to do theirs. |
| Make no mistake: if Congress rejects this good deal with Iran, there will be no better deal forthcoming and Congress will be left owning an unnecessary war. | Make no mistake: if Congress rejects this good deal with Iran, there will be no better deal forthcoming and Congress will be left owning an unnecessary war. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.28am BST | |
| 8.22am BST | |
| 08:22 | |
| On timings, we now hear that EU officials have clarified that the formal announcement will be made at noon (Vienna time: that’s 10am GMT/11am BST/6am EDT/8pm AEST) at the press conference at the Austrian centre, and not at the plenary at the UN 90 minutes earlier. | On timings, we now hear that EU officials have clarified that the formal announcement will be made at noon (Vienna time: that’s 10am GMT/11am BST/6am EDT/8pm AEST) at the press conference at the Austrian centre, and not at the plenary at the UN 90 minutes earlier. |
| 8.16am BST | |
| 08:16 | |
| The Guardian’s Saeed Kamal Deghan says the deal will be welcomed in Iran: | The Guardian’s Saeed Kamal Deghan says the deal will be welcomed in Iran: |
| Today is a rare moment in a decade when Iranian people and their state are largely on one side together celebrating a national achievement. | Today is a rare moment in a decade when Iranian people and their state are largely on one side together celebrating a national achievement. |
| Although not by everybody: | Although not by everybody: |
| Not everyone is happy: ex-president Banisadr, speaking to me, echoes hardliners calling the expected deal a defeat for Iran and a surrender. | Not everyone is happy: ex-president Banisadr, speaking to me, echoes hardliners calling the expected deal a defeat for Iran and a surrender. |
| That’s Abolhassan Banisadr, first president of the Islamic Republic of Iran from 1980 to 1981. He now lives in exile near Paris. | That’s Abolhassan Banisadr, first president of the Islamic Republic of Iran from 1980 to 1981. He now lives in exile near Paris. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.29am BST | |
| 8.10am BST | |
| 08:10 | |
| Details are emerging of possible details of the agreement – I should stress again that we have not yet seen the deal officially. | Details are emerging of possible details of the agreement – I should stress again that we have not yet seen the deal officially. |
| But the Guardian’s Julian Borger, who is in Vienna and has been following the years of twists and turns of the negotiations, sends this insight: | But the Guardian’s Julian Borger, who is in Vienna and has been following the years of twists and turns of the negotiations, sends this insight: |
| I understand the agreement involves arrangements for IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) inspections of suspect sites, including military sites, but it will be ‘managed access’, rather than the unfettered access reported by Reuters. | I understand the agreement involves arrangements for IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) inspections of suspect sites, including military sites, but it will be ‘managed access’, rather than the unfettered access reported by Reuters. |
| Managed access is envisaged under an IAEA additional protocol inspection regime. If the inspectors have reason to believe there is undeclared nuclear activity at a site, it would present its reasons for wanting to visit it. | Managed access is envisaged under an IAEA additional protocol inspection regime. If the inspectors have reason to believe there is undeclared nuclear activity at a site, it would present its reasons for wanting to visit it. |
| Some form of committee made up of representatives of a range of IAEA member states will adjudicate access. It would not be access ‘anywhere, any time’. | Some form of committee made up of representatives of a range of IAEA member states will adjudicate access. It would not be access ‘anywhere, any time’. |
| 8.00am BST | |
| 08:00 | |
| Confirmed: a deal has been agreed | Confirmed: a deal has been agreed |
| Julian Borger in Vienna confirms that an agreement has been secured: | Julian Borger in Vienna confirms that an agreement has been secured: |
| A comprehensive deal on Iran’s nuclear programme has been done, diplomats in Vienna said, bringing to an end a 12-year standoff that had threatened to trigger a new war in the Middle East. | A comprehensive deal on Iran’s nuclear programme has been done, diplomats in Vienna said, bringing to an end a 12-year standoff that had threatened to trigger a new war in the Middle East. |
| We will have more details as they emerge. | We will have more details as they emerge. |
| In the meantime, here is our latest full report: | In the meantime, here is our latest full report: |
| Related: Iran nuclear deal reached in Vienna | Related: Iran nuclear deal reached in Vienna |
| 7.49am BST | |
| 07:49 | |
| Reuters is reporting that an Iranian diplomat has confirmed to the news agency that a deal has been reached. | Reuters is reporting that an Iranian diplomat has confirmed to the news agency that a deal has been reached. |
| And according to Associated Press, a senior western diplomat also says an agreement has been reached. | And according to Associated Press, a senior western diplomat also says an agreement has been reached. |
| We are still waiting for official confirmation of this, but it is looking increasingly certain that the announcement in the next few hours will see the unveiling of an agreement on Iran’s nuclear transparency and the lifting of sanctions against Tehran. | We are still waiting for official confirmation of this, but it is looking increasingly certain that the announcement in the next few hours will see the unveiling of an agreement on Iran’s nuclear transparency and the lifting of sanctions against Tehran. |
| 7.44am BST | |
| 07:44 | |
| No sign of the foreign ministers yet so far this morning, but preparations are under way for their upcoming announcement: | No sign of the foreign ministers yet so far this morning, but preparations are under way for their upcoming announcement: |
| آماده سازی مرکز رسانهای وین؛ جایی که وزرای خارجه قرار است توافق هستهای را اعلام کنند #IranDealVienna pic.twitter.com/8ZBdlXdznr | آماده سازی مرکز رسانهای وین؛ جایی که وزرای خارجه قرار است توافق هستهای را اعلام کنند #IranDealVienna pic.twitter.com/8ZBdlXdznr |
| (Translation – courtesy of Bing, so shout in the comments below if something’s amiss – “Preparation of Media Center Vienna, where foreign ministers of the nuclear agreement are supposed to announce #IranDealVienna”). | (Translation – courtesy of Bing, so shout in the comments below if something’s amiss – “Preparation of Media Center Vienna, where foreign ministers of the nuclear agreement are supposed to announce #IranDealVienna”). |
| Update: thanks to Ali Foroughi below the line for this tweak to the translation: | Update: thanks to Ali Foroughi below the line for this tweak to the translation: |
| Preparation of Media Center Vienna, where foreign ministers of the nuclear agreement are supposed to announce | Preparation of Media Center Vienna, where foreign ministers of the nuclear agreement are supposed to announce |
| a bit of correction: Preparation of Media center in Vienna where foreign ministers are suppose to announce the nuclear agreement. | a bit of correction: Preparation of Media center in Vienna where foreign ministers are suppose to announce the nuclear agreement. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.31am BST | |
| 7.35am BST | |
| 07:35 | |
| Rumours that the deal includes an agreement to allow inspections of Iranian military sites have been denounced by Iranian state TV, Associated Press reports: | Rumours that the deal includes an agreement to allow inspections of Iranian military sites have been denounced by Iranian state TV, Associated Press reports: |
| Iranian state television is rejecting the suggestion that military site inspections will be included in a final nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and world powers. | Iranian state television is rejecting the suggestion that military site inspections will be included in a final nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and world powers. |
| In a report early on Tuesday, state television said it was quoting a source close to Iranian nuclear negotiators as saying: “Some western media is resorting to propaganda aimed at implying that Iran’s red lines, including inspections to military sites, has not been observed in the final” deal. | In a report early on Tuesday, state television said it was quoting a source close to Iranian nuclear negotiators as saying: “Some western media is resorting to propaganda aimed at implying that Iran’s red lines, including inspections to military sites, has not been observed in the final” deal. |
| The report also said floating that idea was meant to make the deal look like a win for the west. | The report also said floating that idea was meant to make the deal look like a win for the west. |
| A senior diplomat earlier told the Associated Press that the draft final deal includes a compromise between Washington and Tehran that would allow United Nations inspectors to press for visits to Iranian military sites as part of their monitoring duties. | A senior diplomat earlier told the Associated Press that the draft final deal includes a compromise between Washington and Tehran that would allow United Nations inspectors to press for visits to Iranian military sites as part of their monitoring duties. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.31am BST | |
| 7.22am BST | |
| 07:22 | |
| My colleague Julian Borger sends this additional update from Vienna: | My colleague Julian Borger sends this additional update from Vienna: |
| A formal statement and a photo-opp will be held at about 10.30am at Vienna’s UN centre, the headquarters of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). | A formal statement and a photo-opp will be held at about 10.30am at Vienna’s UN centre, the headquarters of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). |
| Then a full press conference will be held at the next door Austria Centre, a vast convention centre, at noon. | Then a full press conference will be held at the next door Austria Centre, a vast convention centre, at noon. |
| It is quite possible that before the press conference, presidents Obama and Rouhani will make their own statements in the capitals. | It is quite possible that before the press conference, presidents Obama and Rouhani will make their own statements in the capitals. |
| The announcements are likely to be wrapped up this morning, as Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is reportedly keen to leave Vienna before noon. | The announcements are likely to be wrapped up this morning, as Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov is reportedly keen to leave Vienna before noon. |
| 7.11am BST | |
| 07:11 | |
| Confirmation of press conference today | Confirmation of press conference today |
| Marie Harf, senior adviser to the US secretary of state, John Kerry, has just confirmed that a plenary meeting of the P5+1 and Iran will take place at 10.30am local time (8.30am GMT, 9.30am BST, 4.30am EDT, 6.30pm AEST), followed by a press conference: | Marie Harf, senior adviser to the US secretary of state, John Kerry, has just confirmed that a plenary meeting of the P5+1 and Iran will take place at 10.30am local time (8.30am GMT, 9.30am BST, 4.30am EDT, 6.30pm AEST), followed by a press conference: |
| #IranTalks UPDATE: Final plenary of EU/P5+1 & Iran at 10:30 am Vienna time at UN. Will be followed by a press conference at Austrian Center. | #IranTalks UPDATE: Final plenary of EU/P5+1 & Iran at 10:30 am Vienna time at UN. Will be followed by a press conference at Austrian Center. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.32am BST | |
| 7.04am BST | |
| 07:04 | |
| The other potential obstacle to any agreement reached today could be US Congress, reports the Guardian’s Washington Bureau chief, Dan Roberts: | The other potential obstacle to any agreement reached today could be US Congress, reports the Guardian’s Washington Bureau chief, Dan Roberts: |
| Any deal that reaches Congress between 10 July and 7 September is subject to a 60-day review period by lawmakers rather than the faster 30-day treatment it would receive if it landed outside the summer months. | Any deal that reaches Congress between 10 July and 7 September is subject to a 60-day review period by lawmakers rather than the faster 30-day treatment it would receive if it landed outside the summer months. |
| The White House remains confident it can persuade enough lawmakers to back what its negotiators come up with regardless of the length of the review period, but the added time is prompting both opponents and supporters of the deal to step up their lobbying efforts in anticipation of intense debate in Washington over whether it does enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. | The White House remains confident it can persuade enough lawmakers to back what its negotiators come up with regardless of the length of the review period, but the added time is prompting both opponents and supporters of the deal to step up their lobbying efforts in anticipation of intense debate in Washington over whether it does enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. |
| You can read the full report here: | You can read the full report here: |
| Related: Think the Iran nuclear talks are taking forever? Wait until Congress sees a deal | Related: Think the Iran nuclear talks are taking forever? Wait until Congress sees a deal |
| 6.47am BST | |
| 06:47 | |
| Not everyone will welcome a deal, when it comes. | Not everyone will welcome a deal, when it comes. |
| The Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, last week tweeted that Iran was more dangerous than Islamic State, and threatened to “take over the world”: | The Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, last week tweeted that Iran was more dangerous than Islamic State, and threatened to “take over the world”: |
| Iran's increasing aggression is more dangerous than that of ISIS, and the true goal of this aggression in the end is to take over the world. | Iran's increasing aggression is more dangerous than that of ISIS, and the true goal of this aggression in the end is to take over the world. |
| Netanyahu’s office has since opened a fresh Twitter account in his name in Farsi, with the stated aim of engaging the Iranian people directly. | Netanyahu’s office has since opened a fresh Twitter account in his name in Farsi, with the stated aim of engaging the Iranian people directly. |
| He has tweeted only twice so far from the @israelipm_farsi account, including this criticism of the Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani: | He has tweeted only twice so far from the @israelipm_farsi account, including this criticism of the Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani: |
| خامنهای گفته است ایران باید فارق از توافق با آمریکا مبارزه کند، در حالی که روحانی تظاهرات ابراز تنفر را رهبری میکند pic.twitter.com/eaP6EarwyX | خامنهای گفته است ایران باید فارق از توافق با آمریکا مبارزه کند، در حالی که روحانی تظاهرات ابراز تنفر را رهبری میکند pic.twitter.com/eaP6EarwyX |
| (A translation, courtesy of Associated Press: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “has said Iran should fight the US regardless of the agreement, while Rouhani leads demonstrations expressing hatred”.) | (A translation, courtesy of Associated Press: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “has said Iran should fight the US regardless of the agreement, while Rouhani leads demonstrations expressing hatred”.) |
| Netanyahu has lobbied against the prospective deal, saying it would leave too much of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure intact. On Monday, he accused world powers of being ready to make an agreement “at any price”. | Netanyahu has lobbied against the prospective deal, saying it would leave too much of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure intact. On Monday, he accused world powers of being ready to make an agreement “at any price”. |
| The Israeli defence minister, Moshe Yaalon, added that in the event of a “bad nuclear deal”, Israel would be forced to “defend itself, by itself”. | The Israeli defence minister, Moshe Yaalon, added that in the event of a “bad nuclear deal”, Israel would be forced to “defend itself, by itself”. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.33am BST | |
| 6.30am BST | |
| 06:30 | |
| Claire Phipps | Claire Phipps |
| How did we get here? | How did we get here? |
| For those interested in the long, 12-year path to today’s expected agreement, take a look at this timeline, with its many mentions of deadlines set, missed and extended: | For those interested in the long, 12-year path to today’s expected agreement, take a look at this timeline, with its many mentions of deadlines set, missed and extended: |
| Related: Iran nuclear talks: timeline | Related: Iran nuclear talks: timeline |
| The so-called P5+1 – the foreign ministers of the US, UK, France, China and Russia (the five permanent members of the UN security council), plus Germany – have been engaged with the Iranian delegation in the latest bout of talks for 18 days now, including Tuesday morning’s last-minute negotiations. | The so-called P5+1 – the foreign ministers of the US, UK, France, China and Russia (the five permanent members of the UN security council), plus Germany – have been engaged with the Iranian delegation in the latest bout of talks for 18 days now, including Tuesday morning’s last-minute negotiations. |
| Talks have frequently continued late into the night; here’s a shot of the P5+1 looking surprisingly chipper a few hours ago: | Talks have frequently continued late into the night; here’s a shot of the P5+1 looking surprisingly chipper a few hours ago: |
| Smiles all around at P5+1 meeting in the early morning hours of July 14 #IranTalksVienna via @StateDept pic.twitter.com/pb8jJshp9Y | Smiles all around at P5+1 meeting in the early morning hours of July 14 #IranTalksVienna via @StateDept pic.twitter.com/pb8jJshp9Y |
| 6.19am BST | |
| 06:19 | |
| Matthew Weaver | Matthew Weaver |
| The New Yorker has a useful primer podcast on the talks and the regional and global implications. | The New Yorker has a useful primer podcast on the talks and the regional and global implications. |
| In it commentator Steve Coll pays tribute to how, during the talks, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has skilfully tried to reap the economic benefits of bringing Iran back in from the cold in the face of resistance from his hardline supporters in the security state. | In it commentator Steve Coll pays tribute to how, during the talks, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has skilfully tried to reap the economic benefits of bringing Iran back in from the cold in the face of resistance from his hardline supporters in the security state. |
| Robin Wright, joint fellow at the US Institute of Peace and Woodrow Wilson Center, said that for all the shortcomings of the deal, Iran will be prevented from achieving nuclear “break-out” for at least a year. | Robin Wright, joint fellow at the US Institute of Peace and Woodrow Wilson Center, said that for all the shortcomings of the deal, Iran will be prevented from achieving nuclear “break-out” for at least a year. |
| 6.10am BST | |
| 06:10 | |
| What happens when? | What happens when? |
| Julian Borger has this update on how the morning in Vienna is expected to pan out: | Julian Borger has this update on how the morning in Vienna is expected to pan out: |
| An announcement on the agreement would come on the 18th day of almost uninterrupted negotiations in Vienna, involving foreign ministers from seven countries and the EU’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini. | An announcement on the agreement would come on the 18th day of almost uninterrupted negotiations in Vienna, involving foreign ministers from seven countries and the EU’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini. |
| The ministers – from Iran, the US, UK, Russia, China, France and Germany – are expected to issue a statement and appear for a photo mid-morning, followed some time later by a press conference. | The ministers – from Iran, the US, UK, Russia, China, France and Germany – are expected to issue a statement and appear for a photo mid-morning, followed some time later by a press conference. |
| At some point the US president, Barack Obama, and his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Rouhani, will make statements from their capitals. | At some point the US president, Barack Obama, and his Iranian counterpart, Hassan Rouhani, will make statements from their capitals. |
| It is not clear how much of the estimated 100 pages of text, including five annexes, will be published on Tuesday. | It is not clear how much of the estimated 100 pages of text, including five annexes, will be published on Tuesday. |
| I’ll bring you clearer timings when we have them. | I’ll bring you clearer timings when we have them. |
| Updated | |
| at 10.33am BST | |
| 5.59am BST | |
| 05:59 | |
| Opening summary | Opening summary |
| Claire Phipps | Claire Phipps |
| Welcome to live coverage on the expected announcement of a deal on the future of Iran’s nuclear programme after 17 days of negotiations in Vienna. | Welcome to live coverage on the expected announcement of a deal on the future of Iran’s nuclear programme after 17 days of negotiations in Vienna. |
| It’s important to stress that we cannot say for certain yet that there is a deal. Developments overnight in Vienna seem strongly to suggest that a breakthrough has been made, but we await a formal announcement. | It’s important to stress that we cannot say for certain yet that there is a deal. Developments overnight in Vienna seem strongly to suggest that a breakthrough has been made, but we await a formal announcement. |
| Talks continued late into Monday night in Vienna, past the midnight deadline. It’s currently 7am Tuesday there (5am GMT, 6am BST, 1am EDT, 3pm AEST). | Talks continued late into Monday night in Vienna, past the midnight deadline. It’s currently 7am Tuesday there (5am GMT, 6am BST, 1am EDT, 3pm AEST). |
| Journalists in Vienna have been asked to assemble to be transported to a press conference, due to take place later this morning. | Journalists in Vienna have been asked to assemble to be transported to a press conference, due to take place later this morning. |
| The Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Julian Borger, is in Vienna, from where he has been following every cough and spit of the negotiations for the last 17 days, and he’ll be providing further updates and commentary. | The Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Julian Borger, is in Vienna, from where he has been following every cough and spit of the negotiations for the last 17 days, and he’ll be providing further updates and commentary. |
| You can follow him on Twitter @julianborger. I’ll also post key updates @Claire_Phipps. | You can follow him on Twitter @julianborger. I’ll also post key updates @Claire_Phipps. |
| And I’ll be covering all the developments of the day here, live. | And I’ll be covering all the developments of the day here, live. |
| You can read Julian’s latest dispatch from Vienna here: | You can read Julian’s latest dispatch from Vienna here: |
| Related: Iran nuclear deal expected to be announced in Vienna | Related: Iran nuclear deal expected to be announced in Vienna |
| Updated | |
| at 10.34am BST |