Moscow: Iran, US set to synchronize steps on JCPOA

Moscow sees Tehran and Washington's intention to move towards careful synchronization of reciprocal steps to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program, as negotiations in Vienna gain momentum, Director of the Department for Arms Nonproliferation and Control of the Russian Foreign Ministry Vladimir Yermakov said in an interview with RIA Novosti, according to Report.

"One of the key points is that Iran is ready to return its nuclear program to the parameters set in the JCPOA. It is too early to bury the JCPOA. Our observation is that both sides are willing to move in this direction, as evidenced by the dynamics of the Vienna talks, which gained considerable momentum," Yermakov said.

Vienna negotiations are currently underway to renew the JCPOA and lift Washington's sanctions. The eighth round started on December 27, and on January 28, the negotiators took a break. Negotiations are expected to resume this week. Against this background, the State Department announced that Washington had decided to restore the previously canceled exemptions from the sanctions against Iran's nuclear program. At the same time, it was noted that Washington does not consider this step as a concession to Tehran.