European External Action Service : Press release on behalf of the Joint Commission of the JCPOA (10 January 2017)

The Joint Commission, composed of the E3/EU+3 and Iran, was chaired, on behalf of EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, by EEAS Secretary General Helga Schmid and was attended at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers/Political Directors.

The Joint Commission meeting was specifically convened in response to the concerns raised in the letter Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif addressed to High Representative Mogherini, as coordinator of the Joint Commission, on 16 December 2016. Upon Iran's request, the Joint Commission meeting was preceded by a Sanctions Working Group meeting which was attended at the level of experts.

All sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to continued full and effective implementation of the JCPOA. The Joint Commission underscored the sanctions lifting commitments contained in the JCPOA, in particular as they relate to the Iran Sanctions Act, and recognised the United States' assurance that extension of the Iran Sanctions Act does not affect in any way the sanctions lifting Iran receives under the deal or the ability of companies to do business in Iran consistent with the JCPOA. The Joint Commission also reiterated the commitments by the participants to the continued lifting of sanctions, in particular under paragraph 21 of the JCPOA.

The Joint Commission meeting also offered an opportunity to review the implementation of the JCPOA as far as nuclear related issues are concerned.