Iran and world powers have reached a historic deal under which Tehran will curb its nuclear program in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions, NBC News confirmed early Tuesday.
Tehran has been negotiating with the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China for years, with diplomats extending a series of deadlines in hopes of arriving at a workable plan.
The deal overcame stiff opposition from close U.S. allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia, who say Iran cannot be trusted with a nuclear program of any kind.
Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif called the agreement a "historic moment" and a "win-win solution" that could usher in a "new chapter of hope" in relations between Tehran and the West.
"We are reaching an agreement that is not perfect for anybody but it is what we could accomplish and it is an important achievement for all of us," he said early Tuesday. "Today could have been the end of hope on this issue but now we are starting a new chapter of hope."
The comprehensive agreement — which runs more than 80 pages — was clinched after marathon overnight negotiations in Vienna.
It involves limiting Iran's nuclear production for 10 years and Tehran's access to nuclear fuel and equipment for 15 years in return for hundreds of millions of dollars in sanctions relief. However, the sanctions would not be lifted until Iran proves to the International Atomic Energy Agency that it has met its obligations under the terms of the deal.
While more details were due to be announced at a press conference later Tuesday, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed Iran also has signed a roadmap with his organization to clarify outstanding issues.
"This is a significant step forward," Yukiya Amano told reporters.
Ahead of the press conference, the European Union chaired the final plenary between Iran and the six countries which negotiated the deal.
European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, seated next to a smiling Zarif, paid tribute to the "weeks, days, nights months and years" of work which led up to the final deal.
"The decision we are going to take today is not only on Iran's nuclear program but it is much, much more than this," she said. "It is a decision that can open the way to a new chapter in international relations and shows that diplomacy, coordination, cooperation can overcome decades of tensions and confrontations. This is a sign of hope for the entire world."
Israeli officials quickly condemned the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahy said it gave Iran a "sure path to nuclear weapons," Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely called it a "capitulation of historic proportions," while Science Minister Danny Danon said the deal was "not just bad for Israel, it's dangerous for the entire free world."
Next, the agreement faces a vote in Congress, although it is unclear whether Republicans and some Democrats who object to the deal will actually be able to override the decision.
Iran's moderate President Hassan Rouhani has staked a large share of his political future on a successful outcome of talks. He stands to be one of the biggest winners out of the agreement. (NBC News)
Tehran has been negotiating with the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China for years, with diplomats extending a series of deadlines in hopes of arriving at a workable plan.
The deal overcame stiff opposition from close U.S. allies like Israel and Saudi Arabia, who say Iran cannot be trusted with a nuclear program of any kind.
Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif called the agreement a "historic moment" and a "win-win solution" that could usher in a "new chapter of hope" in relations between Tehran and the West.
"We are reaching an agreement that is not perfect for anybody but it is what we could accomplish and it is an important achievement for all of us," he said early Tuesday. "Today could have been the end of hope on this issue but now we are starting a new chapter of hope."
The comprehensive agreement — which runs more than 80 pages — was clinched after marathon overnight negotiations in Vienna.
It involves limiting Iran's nuclear production for 10 years and Tehran's access to nuclear fuel and equipment for 15 years in return for hundreds of millions of dollars in sanctions relief. However, the sanctions would not be lifted until Iran proves to the International Atomic Energy Agency that it has met its obligations under the terms of the deal.
While more details were due to be announced at a press conference later Tuesday, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed Iran also has signed a roadmap with his organization to clarify outstanding issues.
"This is a significant step forward," Yukiya Amano told reporters.
Ahead of the press conference, the European Union chaired the final plenary between Iran and the six countries which negotiated the deal.
European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, seated next to a smiling Zarif, paid tribute to the "weeks, days, nights months and years" of work which led up to the final deal.
"The decision we are going to take today is not only on Iran's nuclear program but it is much, much more than this," she said. "It is a decision that can open the way to a new chapter in international relations and shows that diplomacy, coordination, cooperation can overcome decades of tensions and confrontations. This is a sign of hope for the entire world."
Israeli officials quickly condemned the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahy said it gave Iran a "sure path to nuclear weapons," Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely called it a "capitulation of historic proportions," while Science Minister Danny Danon said the deal was "not just bad for Israel, it's dangerous for the entire free world."
Next, the agreement faces a vote in Congress, although it is unclear whether Republicans and some Democrats who object to the deal will actually be able to override the decision.
Iran's moderate President Hassan Rouhani has staked a large share of his political future on a successful outcome of talks. He stands to be one of the biggest winners out of the agreement. (NBC News)
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