Ned Price stated that sanctions will only be lifted if Iran accepts the terms of the JCPOA.
Ned Price, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, resumed the department’s usual press briefing with reporters after a long break.
The initial and significant part of the discussions was dedicated to Afghanistan and the anniversary of the withdrawal of U.S. forces from that country. However, it was natural for reporters to pressure him about the Iran nuclear deal and Iran’s stance on the assassination attempt on Salman Rushdie.
His responses regarding the JCPOA reiterated the previous U.S. position, insisting on the full implementation of all JCPOA provisions by Iran and the acceptance of the pre-agreed deal in Vienna.
Regarding Iran’s stance and its decision about the agreement, he explicitly said that he refers reporters to European officials. He officially announced that any serious lifting of sanctions on Iran is only possible if Iran accepts the terms of the JCPOA.
In reaction to Iran’s stance on the assassination attempt on Salman Rushdie, he initially declared the general and official position of supporting freedom of expression.
However, following another question on the matter, he strongly condemned the delight expressed by some Iranian officials over the incident.