Agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme

- The preliminary agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme is a victory for diplomacy, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende. 

Following a new round of negotiations last night, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany arrived at an agreement with Iran. Iran committed itself to stopping the enrichment of uranium above 5 per cent, neutralising its existing stockpiles of already higher enriched uranium and halting further development of the heavy water facility in Arak. In exchange, some of the economic sanctions will be eased and Iran will avoid new sanctions during the period of the agreement. 

- The agreement will apply for a period of six months, and Iran will now be responsible for translating words into actions, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who stressed the importance for world peace that the long-standing conflict on Iran’s nuclear programme be resolved through diplomacy. 

- This is a major first step and a historic breakthrough. However, there is still much to be done before a final agreement is in place, said Brende. 

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), of which Norway is a board member, will have the major task of verifying Iran’s compliance with its obligations in accordance with the agreement. The agreement provides for increased access to and inspection of the facilities at Natanz and Fordow, among others.