TEHRAN, Iran
The June deadline for the final agreement between Iran and world powers will be extended if it did not meet the expectations of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a senior Iranian official warned Friday.
Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, also reiterated Khamenei’s views that a factsheet released by the U.S. State Department about the framework accord was an American interpretation and did not reflect views of Iran.
On Thursday, the ayatollah aired his views about the recently concluded landmark framework deal over Iran’s nuclear program. He said that he was neither for nor against the outcome of the recent talks. However, he cautioned against celebrating the deal since many details were yet to be worked out.
“It's all about the details. The disloyal side may want to stab #Iran in the back over the details; It is too early to congratulate," Khamenei tweeted.
He had also expressed his displeasure with the U.S. for allegedly presenting its own facts. “Hours after the talks, Americans offered a factsheet that most of it was contrary to what was agreed. They always deceive and breach promises,” he tweeted.
The ayotallah was clear that all international sanctions will have to be removed exactly when the deal was reached. “If sanctions removal depends on another process then why we started to talk?” he tweeted.
On April 2, Tehran and the world powers’ group, P5+1, reached a framework deal that promised an end to fears that Iran was working to acquire a nuclear weapon.
The parties agreed to curb Iran’s nuclear activities on a long-term basis, and in return remove the sanctions that have taken their toll on the Iranian economy. Following Thursday’s framework agreement, negotiators have until June 30 to reach a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program.
Earlier, U.S. officials, including Secretary of State John Kerry, said Iranian sanctions would be gradually removed.
