After days of marathon negotiations in Switzerland, foreign ministers from the U.S., the U.K., Russia, China, France, plus Germany (known as the P5 + 1 nations) and Iran emerged from closed-door talks on Thursday to announce they have reached an ‘historic’ framework agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of international sanctions.Reading out a joint statement, European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini hailed the framework agreement as a “decisive step” which sets the stage for an ultimate deal which the parties hope to finalize in June. As summarized by the Guardian, Mogherini said:

• “Today we have taken a decisive step. We have reached solutions on key parameters for a comprehensive future nuclear deal.”
• She said the solutions agreed at Lausanne create the basis of a future comprehensive nuclear agreement between Iran and the six powers – to be concluded by 30 June.
• She said the EU and US will terminate the implementation of all nuclear-related economic sanctions.
• She said the deal could not have gone forward without the political determination and goodwill of all parties.
• There will be limited enrichment capacity at the Fordow uranium enrichment site. It will be converted into a nuclear physics site, with no fissile material present on premises and international cooperation for R&D is encouraged.
• The international monitoring agency will have enhanced access to technologies to clarify past and present issues.
• A future deal between Iran and P5+1 powers will include UN security council endorsement.
• Another important area of cooperation will be in the field of nuclear safety and security.
• “We will now work to write the text of a joint comprehensive plan of action.”