Iran and six world powers have agreed how to implement a nuclear deal struck in November.
The announcement starts a six-month clock for a final deal to be struck over the Islamic Republic’s contested nuclear programme. It also signals an easing of the financial sanctions crippling Iran’s economy.
Iran’s official IRNA news agency quoted the Iranian deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirming the news.
The agency said Iran would allow the United Nations’ atomic agency access to its nuclear facilities and its centrifuge production lines to confirm it is complying with the terms of the deal.
European Union negotiator Catherine Ashton said: “The foundations for a coherent, robust and smooth implementation … have been laid.”
US Secretary of State John Kerry welcomed the deal, saying further negotiations “represent the best chance we have to resolve this critical national security issue peacefully, and durably”.
Under the November agreement, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 5% – the grade commonly used to power reactors. The deal also commits Iran to stop producing 20% enriched uranium – which is only a technical step away from weapons-grade material – and to neutralise its 20% stockpile.
In exchange, economic sanctions Iran faces would be eased for a period of six months.
During that time, the world powers – Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States – would continue negotiations with Iran on a permanent deal.