On December 16, President Hassan Rouhani declared the closing of the U.N. probe of Iran’s nuclear program a victory. In an address to the Iranian public, Rouhani announced that international sanctions would be lifted in December or January. He also invited investment from domestic and international entrepreneurs. The following are excerpts from his speech.
After 14 years, it has become clear that Iran speaks to the world with honesty & integrity. #JCPOA #IranDeal #PMD pic.twitter.com/G5suKqW5YI
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) December 16, 2015President Hassan Rouhani
“Yesterday, one of the stages of the Iranian people’s victory in political and international areas was achieved. For nearly 14 years, terrorist groups, intelligence organizations, and big Western powers levelled accusations at Iran claiming that Iran is enriching uranium somewhere and is engaged in secretly making a nuclear bomb and is not providing the IAEA with clear information.”
“This victory showed that this political system speaks honestly with its own people and the world as well and is committed to its vows.”
“All legal issues were based on the idea that they wanted to say Iran has not been committed to NPT [Non-Proliferation Treaty].”
“Both IAEA and the Board of Governors admitted that the Islamic Republic of Iran has never deviated from its peaceful path over years and was not busy making nuclear bombs. As Iran has repeatedly announced that is committed to its religious and moral vows and does not seek WMDs and the Supreme Leader has stressed it as an important decree.”
“Of course, the cancellation of these resolutions are subject to the obligations that Iran should fulfil.”
“Today, the path is almost paved for the implementation of JCPOA; big steps have been taken by Iran and the other side and the final steps will be taken in two weeks and we hope that the last steps be taken successfully.”
“I announce to the people of Iran that the sanction will be lifted by [the Iranian month of] Day [December-January].”
“We invite all domestic and foreign entrepreneurs, as well as Iranians residing abroad to make the best use of the investment opportunities with the people who seek constructive interaction with the world.”
—Dec. 16, 2015, in a televised speech