BICOM

US Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters yesterday that he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart and that implementation of July’s long-term nuclear deal may be only days away.

Iran’s agreement with the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) will likely see international sanctions on Iran removed or loosened in return for a significant slowdown in Tehran’s nuclear development. Kerry said yesterday that he had spoken to Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif, who “made it clear to me they intend to complete their obligations with respect to implementation day as rapidly as possible.” As a result, said Kerry “We are currently engaged ourselves in making certain that we’re prepared to move on that day. And I think it could come — without being specific — sooner rather than later,” even “days away.”

Since the July deal was agreed, Iran has shipped to Russia 10,000 kg of low-enriched uranium in compliance with the accord. However, it has also tested ballistic missiles on at least two occasions, in breach of United Nations’ Security Council resolutions. In addition, last month the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded a long-running investigation into military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear programme, reporting that a weapons programme existed until 2003, continuing sporadically until 2009. Iran has always claimed that its nuclear work was purely for peaceful purposes.

Media reports last week suggested that the United States is preparing a new set of sanctions targeting Iranian individuals and companies, in response to the ballistic missile testing, which took place in October and November. Kerry indicated that new measures are being considered, saying “obviously it’s our task to continue to ensure that Iran lives up to its commitments… whether it’s missile activities or other activities in the region.”

Earlier this week, the new head of Israel’s Mossad Intelligence Agency, Yossi Cohen said that “The key challenge [to Israel] is the Iranian threat,” and that because of July’s agreement “the threat has significantly increased.”