Iran nuclear talks hit snag after U.S. expands commercial ‘blacklists’

Reuters reports: A breakthrough agreement to end a standoff over Iran’s nuclear program appeared to face its first major difficulty on Friday with Russia warning that a U.S. sanctions move could “seriously” complicate its implementation.

Russia, which along with the United States is among the six world powers which negotiated the November 24 interim accord with Tehran, echoed Iran’s criticism by saying Washington’s sanctions decision violated the spirit of the deal.

Moscow’s statement came after diplomats said Iran had interrupted technical talks with the six nations in Vienna over how to implement the agreement, under which Tehran is to cap its nuclear program in return for limited sanctions easing.

The developments highlighted potential obstacles negotiators face in pressing ahead with efforts to resolve a decade-old dispute between the Islamic Republic and the West that has stirred fears of a new Middle East war.

Several Western diplomats insisted the inconclusive outcome of the December 9-12 expert-level discussions in Vienna should not be seen as a sign that the political deal hammered out nearly three weeks ago was in serious trouble.

But Russia made its concerns clear a day after the United States blacklisted additional companies and people under existing sanctions intended to prevent Iran from obtaining the capability to make nuclear weapons. Iran denies any such aims.

“The U.S. administration’s decision goes against the spirit of this document,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, referring to the Geneva agreement between Iran and the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany.

“Widening American ‘blacklists’ could seriously complicate the fulfillment of the Geneva agreement, which proposes easing sanctions pressure.” [Continue reading…]

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3 thoughts on “Iran nuclear talks hit snag after U.S. expands commercial ‘blacklists’

  1. rosemerry

    “decade-old dispute between the Islamic Republic and the West”
    Well, not really the West, but the USA and Israel, with others bribed or threatened into following the lead of these fair, peaceful, non-nuclear nations.

  2. Norman

    So, through the back door, the Israeli/neocon lobbyists are driving a wedge. I for one, am tired of this charade being played out using Netanyahoos playbook, the “poor Israel, gives us your money while we steal your secrets”, and by the way, blow up Iran so we can be the big cheese in the M.E. What’s interesting here, is that nobody seems to give a damn about the innocent lives being effected through all this. Can anyone explain to me how nuking Iran killing who knows how many, isn’t the worse genocidal above the 6 million that we keep getting slapped across the face with by Netanyahoo and the other sympathizers?

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