UPDATE 2250 GMT: We have posted the key points of the nuclear framework, agreed between Iran and the 5+1 Powers on Thursday, in a separate entry.
See Iran Feature: Key Points of the Nuclear Framework
UPDATE 1655 GMT: A press conference is imminent to announce the outcome of the talks, with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and US Secretary of State John Kerry making statements.
Reports indicate that Iran and the 5+1 Powers will effectively that talks are to continue to the formal deadline of June 30. As Iran cannot endorse a first-stage “agreement” — having said that any agreement must be full and final — the most that is expected is a declaration of General Principles. It is unknown if any details will be offered on areas which have been resolved and those where gaps remain.
Meanwhile, Zarif has said on Twitter:
Found solutions. Ready to start drafting immediately.
— Javad Zarif (@JZarif) April 2, 2015
In Tehran, President Rouhani has reiterated that a final deal will be reached by June 30.
Solutions on key parameters of Iran #nuclear case reached. Drafting to start immediately, to finish by June 30th. #IranTalks
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) April 2, 2015
A “Western source” says that Iran has agreed that most of its 20% enriched uranium will be diluted to 5% — a process which has already been occurring since 2013 — or shipped abroad. More than 2/3rds of Iran’s “current enrichment capacity” will be suspended and monitored for 10 years.
Abas Aslani of Iran’s Tasnim News says that 5,000 IR-1 centrifuges will continue to operate at the Natanz plant, producing 3.67% uranium. Tehran will be allowed to continue research and development on advanced centrifuges — up to IR-8 level — over the next 10 years, with more than 1,000 centrifuges at the Fordoo research facility.
In return, Iran will voluntarily implement the Additional Protocol of the Non-Proliferation Treaty for a temporary period of time.
Aslani claims, “After implementing [the agreement], all economic sanctions by the European Union and will be lifted immediately including finance, banking, insurance, and oil.”
Iran and the 5+1 Powers (US, Britain, France, Germany, China, and Russia) have continued their pursuit of a general nuclear agreement through the night in Switzerland.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (pictured) and US Secretary of State John Kerry led their delegations in 7 1/2 hours of talks, ending at 6 a.m. They were trying to resolve issues such as Iran’s research-and-development centrifuges, the shipment of Tehran’s enriched uranium out of the country, and the timing of the removal of US-led sanctions.
Before the session, Zarif told reporters:
There are a number of issues that are left to be resolved. They require, as I have said, the recognition by all parties that they need to exhibit political will and flexibility in order to move forward. Iran has exhibited that political will. Iran has shown its readiness to engage with dignity.
Iran and the 5+1 have passed an informal deadline of March 31 for an agreement on General Principles. On Tuesday night, according to US officials, President Obama told Kerry and his team to ignore the deadline, while saying he was ready to walk away and leave all sanctions on Iran in place.
The formal cut-off for a comprehensive deal is July 1.
The Iranians have reportedly agreed to cut their number of operating centrifuges by 40% and restrict them to the 40-year-old IR-1 models. However, they are unhappy with proposed limits on their research-and-development centrifuges, believing that these would block them from installing the advanced models at the end of the comprehensive agreement.
According to sources, Tehran is also balking at movement of its 20% and 5% uranium outside Iran. The Iranians say that the uranium can be converted to fuel plates — ensuring the uranium can never be used in a military program — inside the Islamic Republic.
And Iran is insisting on quick removal of major UN and US-led sanctions after a comprehensive deal. Those sanctions include European Union restrictions, imposed in July 2012, which have crippled Iran’s oil exports and financial sectors.
The US and its European allies are proposed a phased reduction of sanctions, linking to Iranian compliance with an agreement. They also are seeking — reportedly in opposition to Russia and China as well as Iran — a “snap-back” provision to allow the renewal of UN sanctions if Tehran is ever found in violation of a deal.