National
0

Majlis Starts Overseeing JCPOA

Majlis Starts Overseeing JCPOA
Majlis Starts Overseeing JCPOA

Iran's Parliament took the first practical step to monitor the process of implementing the landmark nuclear deal with major powers, a member of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Commission said.

The accord, finalized on July 14 with P5+1 (the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany), will give Iran sanctions relief in return for temporary constraints on its nuclear program.

On October 18, the two sides formally adopted the agreed measures, which need to be completed to allow the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, as the deal is officially called, to go into full force on Implementation Day.

The commission is tasked with monitoring the implementation of JCPOA on behalf of parliament.

The Majlis passed a bill, titled the Iranian Government's Reciprocal Action on Implementation of JCPOA Act, calling on Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to submit biannual reports on the deal to the commission.

The curbs Iran accepted on its nuclear work include disconnecting about two-thirds of installed centrifuges at Natanz and Fordo enrichment facilities.

***Visit to Nuclear Sites  

Mohammad Hassan Asafari told IRNA on Saturday the commission would begin its role by paying a visit to the Natanz facility later in the day.

Iran's commitments also include the redesign of the Arak heavy water reactor.

"The delegation [from the commission] will also visit Arak and Fordo sites in the coming days," Asafari said, adding that a report on the visits will be submitted to the Majlis.

A committee established under the authority of the Supreme National Security Council will also be supervising the implementation of the JCPOA alongside the commission.

The UN nuclear agency, which is monitoring Iran's compliance with the terms of JCPOA, recently released a report, saying Iran had already taken out a quarter of uranium-enriching centrifuges at its facilities.

On the Arak project, an official document has been signed with P5+1, requiring them to assist Iran in reconfiguring the reactor.

Tehran has also committed to shipping stocks of enriched uranium in excess of 300 kilograms and 3.67% of fissile purity.

However, Iran said it will not go ahead with measures regarding the Arak research reactor and its uranium stockpile until the International Atomic Energy Agency concludes its consideration of Tehran's past nuclear program.

The agency is conducting a probe into western allegations that there may have been military dimensions to Iran's nuclear past.

Iran denies allegations as "false", which are based on fabricated intelligence presented by hostile governments such as the US and Israel.

The IAEA is facing a December 15 deadline under a roadmap agreement with Tehran to provide an assessment report on the issue to its board of governors, which will then decide whether to close its investigation.

The agency's assessment will be crucial to action by the six major powers to lift sanctions.

 

Financialtribune.com