The European Union Council has adopted the first legal acts implementing the nuclear deal reached between the world powers and Iran, which would allow for certain relief of sanctions against Iran.

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on the Iranian nuclear issue was reached on July 14 in Vienna, and the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution endorsing the JCPOA on July 20.

A press release from the EU Council stated : ‘’This resolution provides for certain derogations from restrictions currently in place so as to allow:

- the shipment of certain nuclear-related equipment out of Iran, the modification of two cascades in Fordow and the modernization of the Arak reactor;

- transfers and activities necessary to implement certain nuclear-related commitments specified in the JCPOA or required for the preparation for the implementation of the JCPOA.’’

It said the legal acts adopted by the Council translate into EU law these provisions.

Phase one of lifting sanctions against Iran will be subject to supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency, or IAEA, which will make sure that Iran has taken steps to make its nuclear program meet the requirements of the pact.

Economic and financial sanctions against Iran have long been maintained by the EU, in addition to its energy and transport sectors, while it has a list of individuals and entities whose assets were frozen and were prohibited from entering EU territory.

The measures adopted by the Council were published in the EU Official Journal on Aug. 1, while EU Foreign Ministers may address relations with Iran at an informal meeting in Luxembourg on Sept. 4-5.