US finds Iran in compliance with deal, lifts nuclear sanctions - The Hill

The United States on Saturday lifted sanctions against Iran and announced that four Americans held prisoner in the country will be returning home, in a whirlwind day of diplomacy that cements President Obama’s engagement with Iran as a pillar of his legacy.

The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog certified Iran has fulfilled its promises to prevent it from building a nuclear weapon, after decades of tensions, years of negotiations and months of work to implement the international nuclear deal reached six months ago.

The State Department confirmed moments later that the nuclear deal is now implemented, thereby lifting a slate of sanctions.

In Vienna, Secretary of State John Kerry touted the step as a vindication of diplomacy in the face of doubters.  "I think we have also proven once again why diplomacy must be our first choice and war a last resort," Kerry said.  "Iran has undertaken significant steps that many, and I do mean many, people doubted would ever come to pass," he added. 

Iran's level of enriched uranium is two percent of what it was before the agreement, Kerry said while pointing to a range of steps Iran has taken.  "Iran has taken every step that it committed to take dating back two full years," Kerry said.  He added: "Today marks the first day of a safer world."

The milestone to fully implement the nuclear accord comes despite heated opposition on Capitol Hill and around the country. 

Hours earlier Saturday, Iranian officials announced that four American prisoners held in Iran — including a Washington Post reporter and a Christian pastor — would be freed, in exchange for seven prisoners in the U.S.

The prisoner swap was the result of 14 months of secret parallel negotiations between Kerry and his counterpart in Iran, U.S. officials said. - Read More at thehill

US finds Iran in compliance with deal, lifts nuclear sanctions

Iran releases 4 American prisoners, including journalist