Obama acknowledges "huge challenges" ahead in talks with Iran

Email|Print|Comments       twitter     facebook     Sina Microblog     reddit    

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Barack Obama on Saturday pledged no more sanctions on Iran after the Islamic republic closed a first-step deal with the six major nations on its nuclear program, but acknowledged "huge challenges" ahead in talks about reaching a comprehensive agreement.

In remarks delivered at the White House, Obama hailed the deal as "an important first step toward a comprehensive solution" to Iran's nuclear program, which the West suspects is a cover for making nuclear weapons.

"For the first time in nearly a decade, we have halted the progress of the Iranian nuclear program, and key parts of the program will be rolled back," he said, adding "Iran has committed to halting certain levels of enrichment and neutralizing part of its stockpile."

According to the White House, Iran has been committed to halting enrichment above 5 percent and neutralizing its stockpile of near-20 percent uranium by means of dilution or converting.

Obama acknowledged Iran's right to peaceful use of nuclear energy as he said "We approach these negotiations with a basic understanding: Iran, like any nation, should be able to access peaceful nuclear energy."

In return for Iran's curbing of its nuclear program, Obama said "We will refrain from imposing new sanctions, and we will allow the Iranian government access to a portion of the revenue that they have been denied through sanctions."

He acknowledged "huge challenges" ahead in talks about reaching a comprehensive deal with Iran in the coming months.

• Top diplomats gather in Geneva on unscheduled fourth day of Iran nuclear talks
• Iran, world powers continues crunch nuclear talks in Geneva
• China sees opportunity to resolve Iran nuclear issue
• Backgrounder: Talks on Iranian nuclear issue
• New round of Iran nuclear talks resumes in Geneva
• New round of Iran nuclear talks resumes in Geneva

We Recommend

• Finland has more eggs in the Chinese basket than any other
• In pictures: PLA's digital equipment
• Protesters demonstrate during UN Climate Change Conference in Poland
• Self-made farmer billionaire donates 69 villas at hometown
• Demolition of bizarre rooftop villa in Beijing still in progress
• Service seminar for E China train attendants
• Supermodel-turned-designer
• Cheerleaders light up CBA regular season
• Finland--anytime you want is right time to go: Ambassador