BREAKING NEWS

'Adoption day' nears for Iran nuclear deal

WASHINGTON – Iran is set to complete its participation in an investigation by the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency on the possible military dimensions of its nuclear program by Thursday, a deadline set by the international body.
The IAEA road map agreement with Iran – its existence made public, but its details still confidential – included a deadline for full compliance of October 15. Adoption of the deal will proceed after Iran has completed this, followed by full implementation of the nuclear accord.
While details of the investigation have not been published, a report by the IAEA on its findings, scheduled for release in mid-December, must declare that Iran has satisfactorily complied. The agency’s satisfaction is not predicated on finding results one way or another – either confirming or denying that Iran has conducted military nuclear work in the past.
Throughout the course of a two-year negotiation over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the Obama administration has said it does not seek a “confession” from the Islamic Republic on its past nuclear work. The US and its allies say they know with confidence Iran tried to weaponize its nuclear program in the mid-2000s.
Under the JCPOA, Iran does not receive sanctions relief until after the IAEA releases its December report and a series of other nuclear-related steps are taken.