- Thu Jun 25, 2015 3:05 pm
#59681
It appears Obama and Kerry are ready to sign any agreement with Iran, so they can declare history was made.
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iran has hardened its stance less than a week before the deadline for a nuclear deal, with its top leader rejecting a long-term freeze on nuclear research as a constitutional body on Wednesday approved a law banning access to military sites and scientists. Iran's constitutional watchdog, known as the Guardian Council, ratified the legislation banning access to military sites and scientists, making it binding law. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also insisted that Iran will only sign a deal if international sanctions are lifted first.
Khamenei also said he rejects any inspection of military sites or allowing Iranian scientists to be interviewed. Iran's nuclear scientists have been the target of attacks.
The Americans' "goal is to uproot and destroy the country's nuclear industry," he said. "They want to keep up the pressure and are not after a complete lifting of sanctions."
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Wednesday the negotiations would not be affected by the Iran's remarks.
"This is something that's been going on throughout the negotiations," he said. "It is not new. We are not going to be guided by or conditioned by or affected or deterred by statements that are for public consumption or domestic political consumption."
The United States -- which is negotiating the deal alongside Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany -- has said any deal is better than no deal and is pressuring other members to make concessions to push a nuclear deal through. President Obama said he is confident, a deal will be reached by the deadline, which will be of benefit to everyone involved.
- By johnforbes
- By brandon