GENEVA – Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program in a breakthrough deal on Sunday that world powers claimed was the biggest step in decade-long efforts to deny Tehran an atomic bomb. Tehran boasted that the agreement, which offers Iran limited sanctions relief, recognized its right to enrich uranium – which it says is for peaceful purposes – but Washington denied the deal made any such reference. Israel slammed the deal as an “historic mistake” failing to ensure Iran could not acquire nuclear weapons. The United Arab Emirates welcomed Iran's deal, state news agency WAM said. “The Cabinet hopes this would represent a step toward a permanent agreement that preserves the stability of the region and shield it from tension and the danger of nuclear proliferation,” WAM said. Bahrain also praised the agreement. “We welcome this agreement if it will be the end of the fear of any weapons of mass destruction in the region,” Bahrain Foreign Minister Khalid Bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa told reporters in Manama. Pakistan, a declared nuclear power, said the deal “should augur well for peace and security in our region and the world at large.” Turkey, which borders Iran to the west, called it a “new start.” Pakistan's rival India, another nuclear power, also welcomed the deal. The six world powers involved in the marathon talks however hailed the preliminary agreement, which seemed unthinkable only a few months ago and at least temporarily warded off the prospect of military escalation. “Today, the United States together with our close allies and partners took an important first step toward a comprehensive solution that addresses our concerns with Iran's nuclear program,” US President Barack Obama said. Under the deal between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany announced at 3:00 a.m. Geneva time (0200 GMT), Tehran will limit uranium enrichment – the area that raises most suspicions over Iran's alleged nuclear weapons drive – to low levels. It will neutralize its entire stockpile of uranium enriched to medium 20-percent purities – close to weapons-grade – within six months, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in Geneva, where he and other foreign ministers helped nail down the deal. Iran will also not add to its stockpile of low-enriched uranium, nor install more centrifuges or commission the Arak reactor. – Agencies
