Secretary of State John Kerry has announced that the economic sanctions against Iran have been lifted as four U.S. citizens were released by the Middle Eastern state as part of a prisoner swap.
Kerry said that Iran has met its obligations to the U.N. atomic watchdog and that the sanctions have now been lifted as per promises made in the landmark nuclear agreement.
In a statement, Kerry said:
'Iran has undertaken significant steps that many, and I do mean many, people doubted would ever come to pass. And that should be recognized, even though the full measure of this achievement can only be realized by assuring continued full compliance in the coming years.
'Today marks the moment that the Iran nuclear agreement transitions from an ambitious set of promises on paper to measurable action in progress.
'Today, as a result of the actions taken since last July, the United States, our friends and allies in the Middle East, and the entire world are safer because the threat of the nuclear weapon has been reduced.' President Barack Obama delegated authority to Kerry to make the determination.
Kerry's statement followed a determination by the International Atomic Energy Agency that Iran has complied with the deal to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
'Relations between Iran and the IAEA now enter a new phase. It is an important day for the international community. I congratulate all those who helped make it a reality,' Director General Yukiyo Ama of the International Atomic Energy Agency said.
Kerry's announcement about the sanctions against Iran being lifted came hours after it was reported that four Americans being held by which includes,fifth American man a student was also freed but not as part of the swap , Former U.S. Marine, a pastor and a fourth man also believed to be free, Swap said to be for seven Iranian prisoners, who have not been named
As many as 14 Iranians were taken off an Interpol wanted list as part of deal.
dailymail.uk
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