President wants relief before Iran signs deal

TEHRAN, IRAN— Iran’s top leader stopped short Thursday of giving his endorsement to the framework nuclear deal struck last week between Tehran and six world powers, while the country’s president warned separately that Iran’s approval of a final deal depends on the immediate lifting of all sanctions related to its controversial nuclear program.

The comments, taken together, could represent simply a tough bargaining stance by the Islamic republic before the deal is finalized, by June 30. But President Hassan Rouhani’s demand of an immediate full sanctions relief will probably complicate efforts to reach a final deal.

“We will not sign any agreement, unless all economic sanctions are totally lifted on the first day of the implementation of the deal,” Rouhani said.

Iran and the six world powers agreed last week on a framework deal, which is meant to curb Iran’s bomb-capable technology while giving Tehran quick access to bank accounts, oil markets and financial assets blocked by international sanctions. But the framework does not include the immediate lifting of punitive sanctions. Instead, it says the sanctions will be suspended once international monitors verify that Tehran is abiding by the limitations spelled out in the agreement.

The deal also specifies that if at any time Iran fails to fulfil its commitments, these sanctions would snap back into place. The agreement has been endorsed by much of the Iranian establishment, though hardliners have overwhelmingly opposed it, calling it a “defeat” for Iran.

The supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said in remarks on his official website Thursday that he “is neither for nor against” the deal.

Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, added that there “is no binding” agreement yet.