An Iranian Parliamentary report has criticized the July 14 nuclear deal between Iran and the 5+1 Powers, but it indicates that MPs will not block the agreement.

The report, submitted on Sunday after weeks of hearings, expresses concern about the effort of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran�s nuclear capabilities and, thus, the economy. It accuses the US of misrepresenting provision, for example, over the Fordoo uranium enrichment complex, and says the Islamic Republic will be surrendering its �future rights� by submitting to the JCPOA�s technical limitations.

The Parliamentary Commission is pessimistic about the benefits of sanctions relief, cautioning that the US is prepared to reimpose the restrictions quickly and that the JCPOA could give the International Atomic Energy Agency the power to constantly refer Iran to the UN Security Council for punishment.

Five members of the Commission, including leading MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi, complained that the reportig nored the �very positive points��of the deal. They argued that the report was written �outside of the committee� and that there was no final vote.

Despite all these criticisms, the report stops short of trying to halt the agreement. Instead, it recommends �active engagement� with the IAEA and the retention of military capabilities such as Iran�s ballistic missile program.

The Commission concludes with the recommendation of a �double emergency resolution� by Parliament conditionally approving the framework of the JCPOA.
Weeks of Challenges to Government Over Deal
Hardliners spent the summer challenging the Rouhani Government over the deal, reached after more than a decade of tension and intermittent negotiations. They demanded a Parliamentary vote, while the Government said the Supreme National Security Council would make the final decision.

The Supreme Leader maintained an ambiguous position, saying last month that he would not take a role in the dispute but that Parliament should be able to express its opinion on the agreement.

The conclusion of the Commission, and the likely assent by Parliament to the agreement, paves the way for the implementation of the agreement. The lifting or suspension of US and European Union sanctions is conditional on IAEA verification of Iranian compliance � a verdict that the Rouhani Government was seeking around mid-December.
Continued Resistance?
However, Parliament continued to hold off on a final clearance of the agreement. It sent a �plan of action� for implementation to the National Security Commission for review.

The Parliamentary �single-emergency� resolution insists on implementation on the basis of �cooperation and mutual respect�, with the lifting of sanctions �on the first day� and fulfilment of obligations by the 5+1 Powers (US, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China). The MPs also insist that Iran strengthen its �defensive power� by developing its �offensive and defensive missile[s] in the Air Force, Army, and Navy�.

State broadcaster IRIB said�the discussion was �tense�, with �a great number of representatives� gathering in protest.

By EA World View