BICOM

Representatives of the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) and Iran resumed talks yesterday on implementing the interim deal agreed in Geneva last month. However, a bipartisan bill which could introduce new Iran sanctions was announced by US Senators yesterday, which may complicate a resolution over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Under the terms of last month’s interim agreement, Iran is expected to pause aspects of its nuclear programme during the coming six months in return for a relaxation of some sanctions. Talks on implementing the deal took place last week, but were overshadowed after Tehran took umbrage at a US decision to blacklist a number of Iranian companies for breaching existing sanctions.

However, the two sides met in Geneva yesterday and according to Reuters discussions included the verification process to ensure Iranian compliance with its commitments and regulating banking transactions as and when sanctions are eased. An unnamed Western diplomat is quoted by Reuters saying “A lot of work has been done so we can go very fast” and speculated that the interim deal could come into effect next month.

However, the same diplomatic source also said “I am afraid the Iranians will be tougher now,” following the announcement yesterday in Washington by a group of 26 US Senators from both parties that they intend to introduce a bill mandating new sanctions on Iran if it violates the terms of the interim agreement. Iran’s Foreign Minister has indicated that such legislation would lead to a breakdown of the Geneva interim agreement and the White House has lobbied senators heavily against such an initiative.

The Telegraph says the bill won’t be discussed until at least next month and it is unclear whether it would have enough support to pass a Congressional vote. Meanwhile, White House spokesman Jay Carney said, “If it [the bill] were enacted, the President would veto it.”