French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on Wednesday that declarations from the Iranian regime’s leaders appeared not to favour an international deal on the country’s nuclear programme.
The regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Tuesday ruled out freezing sensitive nuclear work in the country for a long time and said sanctions imposed on it should be lifted as soon it reaches a final deal with major powers, state TV reported.
“France wants a deal but wants the deal to be robust, a good deal, but not a bad deal,” Fabius said at a news conference alongside Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir.
“A certain number of statements do not seem to go in that direction. France reaffirms that it wants a solid accord, but at the same time must stress the firmness of its positions.”
Fabius cited limitations on Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity and research, rigorous verification systems, including for military sites, and restoring sanctions immediately if Tehran reneged on its obligations as key elements of a deal.
The P5+1 states – Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States – want the Iranian regime to commit to a verifiable halt of at least 10 years on sensitive nuclear development work as part of a landmark atomic deal they aim to reach by June 30.
Israel and Gulf Arab states have criticised the emerging agreement as not going far enough to guarantee Tehran will not obtain a nuclear bomb.
Jubeir said he “completely supported” France’s position in the talks.
US Secretary of State John Kerry will fly to Vienna on Friday to take part in the nuclear talks, US State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.
In another sign that the regime may be toughening its stance, the regime’s Guardian Council on Wednesday enacted legislation banning UN monitors from having access to Iranian military sites and scientists, according to state TV.
Based on wire reports
