Iran: No Nuclear Deal Before Sanctions Lifted

Iran will not come to an agreement on its nuclear program until the United Nations lifts sanctions, the country's foreign minister has said.



Speaking to journalists in Romania on Monday, Mohammad Javad Zarif said: "The P5+1 members should implement their commitment for the annulment of the UN Security Council's sanctions."



Zarif was referring to group – the five permanent members of the council, plus Germany - that has been negotiating with Iran to resolve the disagreement around Tehran's nuclear energy program.



He said the group should help remove sanctions against Iran through the "UN Security Council's mechanisms."



Zarif added: "As the five permanent members of the Security Council, they should know that no agreement will go into effect unless the P5+1 members fulfill their obligation to lift the Security Council's sanctions against Iran."



Iran and the P5+1 have agreed on extending discussions to November 24 in an effort to achieve a permanent nuclear deal.



Iran said it will hold talks with the P5+1 before the UN General Assembly session in September.



www.aa.com.tr/en - Ankara