The head of the United Nations atomic energy watchdog said that Iran has shown satisfactory commitment to the deal on its nuclear program agreed with world powers in 2015. This came after Tehran's complaints over what it considered as a violation of accord by the U.S.
In an official letter to European Union addressed to Foreign Policy Chief Federica Megherini, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Sarif asked for a meeting regarding the recent actions of the United States. Iran has requested a meeting of the commission that oversees the implementation of the agreement after a bill extends U.S. sanctions against Iran for 10 years.
The foreign minister also stated in the letter that although Iran remains committed to its obligations, all sides must fulfill their commitments as well.
The White House claimed that this would not affect the overall implementation of the nuclear agreement.
"We are satisfied with the implementation of the (agreement) and hope that this process will continue," stated Yukiya Amano, IAEA director general, through the IRNA news agency.
"Iran has been committed to its engagement so far and this is important," he added.
After the announcement of the U.S. sanctions extension, Iran has called for its scientists last week to start developing systems for nuclear-powered marine vessels, possibly worsening its tensions with Washington.
In a meeting with Director General Amano, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that he hopes to have good technical cooperation on nuclear propulsion for transports between the country and the IAEA.
Reports also stated that the country's nuclear energy chief, Ali Akbar Salehi, has presented the nuclear propulsion project to the director general during their meeting. Further details about it would be revealed in three months.
The deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, is a long-sought deal regarding Iran's nuclear program. This multilateral agreement involves France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, and the United States.
According to nuclear experts, if Iran's move is carried out, it would probably require Tehran to enrich uranium to a fissile purity above than the maximum level stated in the nuclear deal in order to alleviate fears of the country building an atomic bomb. Under the deal, Tehran is prohibited from enriching uranium beyond a 3.67% purity for 15 years.
Also included in the 2015 deal is Iran's agreement to limit its nuclear fuel production activities in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.
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