On 14 January 2016, the Council extended until 28 January 2016 the suspension of certain EU restrictive measures against Iran specified in the Joint Plan of Action of November 2013.
A limited number of EU sanctions against Iran were suspended after China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States reached an interim agreement with Iran; the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) of 24 November 2013 sets out an approach towards reaching a long-term comprehensive solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
On 14 July 2015, the countries agreed on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) aimed at ensuring the exclusively peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear programme while providing for the comprehensive lifting of all UN Security Council sanctions as well as EU and US sanctions related to Iran’s nuclear programme following an agreed sequence of actions.
Prolonging the current suspension of certain EU restrictive measures against Iran, as provided for under the JPOA, will provide for the continuous preparations for the implementation of the JCPOA.
As soon as the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Iran has taken the nuclear measures under the JCPOA, the Council will give effect to the lifting of all EU economic financial sanctions taken in connection with the Iranian nuclear programme, which will supersede the limited sanctions relief extended today
Source: EU Council
