Israel Matzav

Iran threatens to walk away

Iran is threatening to walk away from its agreement with the P 5+1 if the US Senate passes sanctions, even if the sanctions don't take effect until after the 'interim deal' has ended.

In a transcript of the interview, which was conducted on Saturday and posted online on Monday, Time said it asked Zarif what happens if Congress imposes new sanctions, even if they do not go into effect for six months.

According to the magazine, he replied: "The entire deal is dead." Zarif was referring to a Nov. 24 agreement with six world powers under which Tehran would curb its nuclear program in exchange for limited relief from economic sanctions.

"We do not like to negotiate under duress," Zarif added. "If Congress adopts sanctions, it shows lack of seriousness and lack of a desire to achieve a resolution on the part of the United States.

Zarif's comments had little effect on US Senators who are preparing legislation to impose new sanctions on Iran in six months if the deal reached in Geneva goes nowhere.

 Here's hoping the Senate kills the deal. It's a lousy deal anyway.

Labels: Iran sanctions regime, Iranian nuclear threat, Mohammad Javad Zarif, P 5+1, uranium enrichment

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:16 AM