5 things to know about the Iran nuclear deal

Jul 14, 2015 - 08:47
Jul 14, 2015 - 08:52
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5 things to know about the Iran nuclear deal
U.S. President Barack Obama said the deal meant 'every pathway to a nuclear weapon is cut off'

It took nearly two years, but a landmark deal has been hammered out curtailing Iran's nuclear program.

As CNN reported, the deal was the focal point of President Barack Obama's foreign policy.

Here are five things to know about the deal, which runs nearly 100 pages.

1. Iran agreed to a continuation of a United Nations arms embargo for up to five years. It could end earlier if the Inteational Atomic Energy Agency agrees, The Associated Press reported. There is also a restriction on the transfer of ballistic missile technology to Tehran. That ban can last up to eight more years. Obama, in a statement to the nation Tuesday moing said, \"Iran will get rid of 98 percent of its nuclear material.\" The country will also remove two-thirds of its centrifuges and will modify its reactor so it cannot enrich uranium.

2. U.N. inspectors can request visits to Iranian military sites as part of their monitoring duties, but the access isn't guaranteed and could be delayed, The Associated Press reported.

3. Iran has an economic benefit to the tune of more than $100 billion. The money comes from assets frozen overseas. The deal also ends a European oil embargo and financial restrictions on Iranian banks on the day the deal is implemented.

4. The deal has the support of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who went to Twitter to speak about the negotiations. Iranian foreign minister, Javad Zarif called it a \"new chapter of hope,\" The Associated Press reported.

The European Union is calling it a \"sign of hope for the entire world,\" the BBC reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been against the negotiations from the beginning. He posted to his Twitter account his opposition to the deal.

5. Congress has 60 days to review and agree to the accord. But lawmakers are expected to pick apart the agreement. President Obama threw down the gauntlet to Congress, saying \"It would be irresponsible to walk away from this deal. I welcome a robust debate in Congress.\" He continued, \"I would remind Congress that you don't make deals like this with your friends. I will veto any legislation that prevents the implementation of this deal,\" the BBC reported.

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Mike Gallagher Freelance writer with a passion for travelling