After almost two years of negotiations, on July 14, 2015, the E3/EU+3 (China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States) and Iran reached an agreement regarding Iran's nuclear program. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ("JCPOA") lays out a framework for Iran to dismantle much of its nuclear program in exchange for lifting certain United Nations ("UN"), European Union ("EU") and United States ("US") sanctions against Iran. Below we provide highlights of the agreement and a timetable for its implementation:
Financial and energy sanctions are lifted earlier: The agreement provides for financial and energy sector-related sanctions to be lifted before certain arms-related sanctions. The purpose of lifting these sanctions is to enable payment mechanisms for Iran to export petroleum-related products. A range of these sanctions can be lifted as early as December 15, when the IAEA is scheduled to verify that Iran has taken measures in accord with the JCPOA.
No sanctions are lifted today: The JCPOA provides for the gradual lifting of sanctions over the course of ten years provided that Iran continues to meet its commitments regarding its nuclear program.
Section 219 disclosure obligations remain: SEC disclosure obligations under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act with respect to transactions or dealings with Iran do not appear to have been changed by the JCPOA.
UN sanctions "snap back" provision: The deal lays out a framework for dispute resolution and a mechanism for the UN sanctions to be re-imposed in the event that Iran does not adhere to the terms of the deal. However, the sanctions would not apply retroactively to any business contracts signed with Iran while sanctions were lifted.
TIMETABLE FOR UNWINDING SANCTIONS
Next couple of days |
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August 15, 2015 |
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September 15, 2015 |
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Mid - September |
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12 days after Congressional resolution |
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10 days after potential presidential veto |
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October 15, 2015 |
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Mid - Late October ("Adoption Day") 1 |
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December 15, 2015 (possibly "Implementation Day") |
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8 years after Adoption Day or upon report from the IAEA that nuclear program is peaceful ("Transition Day") |
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10 years from Adoption Day ("Termination Day") |
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Dispute Resolution and "Snap Back" Provision under the JCPOA
In the event of Iran's noncompliance, the JCPOA provides for dispute resolution and a "snap back" provision. The agreement establishes a Joint Commission consisting of representatives from the E3/EU+3 and Iran. If it appears that Iran is not meeting its commitments, any of the parties could refer the issue to the Joint Commission, who has 15 days to resolve the dispute. After review by the Joint Commission, a party may also refer the matter to the Ministers of Foreign Affairs or to an Advisory Board (consisting of three members), both of whom have 15 days to provide an opinion. If an Advisory Board issues an opinion, the Joint Commission has five days to consider its opinion.
After the dispute resolution process is exhausted, a party may notify the UN Security Council to pass a resolution to provide for the UN sanctions to continue to be lifted. If the UN Security Council does not pass a resolution within 30 days, the prior UN sanctions will come into full force once again, unless the UN Security Council decides otherwise. These sanctions would not apply retroactivity to any business contracts signed with Iran, but they would apply from the date of reapplication.
Going Forward
Those who wish to do business in Iran should continue to monitor the JCPOA's implementation. Although the E3/EU+3 and Iran have agreed to the JCPOA, there remain many moving parts, and complications or delays could arise in the coming months. While the EU will move in accordance with the JCPOA, the EU has not yet announced a time for member states to meet to issue a council decision. Further, it is important to note that sanctions relating to terrorism, Syria and human rights violations continue to be in force and are not covered by the JCPOA. Visit our website for more information about the JCPOA or affected UN, EU and US sanctions.
Footnote
1. Adoption Day could occur at an earlier date if participants agree.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.