On Friday, 18 July, the P5+1 countries (China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States), supported by the European Union, agreed with Iran to extend the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) that suspended some economic sanctions against Iran as part of the overall talks regarding Iran’s nuclear related activities. The JPOA originally went into effect for a six-month period beginning 20 January 2014, and was scheduled to expire 20 July 2014. The JPOA commitments are now to be extended until 24 November 2014. The additional four-month period gives negotiators additional time to seek a final agreement.
