EAST KURDISTAN (IRAN) MESOP : STOP ! – AND NEVER GO ! – Iran Stops Removing Centrifuges under Political Pressure

Iran has reportedly stopped dismantling centrifuges at two nuclear enrichment facilities, according to Iranian state media. The hold on the removal of decommissioned centrifuges at Natanz and Fordow sites may have resulted from Iranian hardliners complaining to President Hassan Rouhani that the process was being rushed. The centrifuges must be removed for Iran to enter compliance with the nuclear deal reached with the P5+1 in July, but hardline politicians have pointed to statements from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that Iran should not dismantle its centrifuges until the International Atomic Energy Agency completes its investigation of the possible military dimensions (PMD) of Iran’s nuclear program. The IAEA is expected to release its final report by mid-December, or possibly as soon as later this month. The nuclear agreement’s provision on lifting sanctions does not take effect until Iran has verifiably dismantled centrifuges in accordance with the deal.

Rouhani said yesterday that Iran is looking to renew trade ties with France, particularly in fields of car manufacturing, agriculture, and aviation. Iran is reportedly looking into arrangements to lease new Airbus aircraft. Rouhani made additional comments today on the potential for improved relations with the United States after the nuclear agreement. “If it is well applied it can lay the foundation for fewer tensions with the United States, creating the conditions to open a new era. But if the Americans don’t respect their part of the nuclear accord, then surely our relationship will remain as it has been in the past,” he said. Rouhani also suggested that the countries could reopen their embassies and restore diplomatic ties if the United States changed its policies toward Iran and would “apologize to the Iranian people.”