Iran MPs pass bill to protect nuke'rights'

Iran's parliament approved a controversial bill yesterday that it said would protect the country's nuclear programme, but which could also hinder final negotiations on a deal with world powers.

The move re-exposed persistent tension between President Hassan Rouhani's government and lawmakers in Tehran, where hardliners routinely voice doubt about the merit of talking to the West.

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One of Rohani's vice presidents said the bill, which still has to be signed into law by Iran's Guardian Council, was unconstitutional and would not help its negotiators at "a sensitive point" in the talks.

The move, just one week before the deadline for an international agreement on the Islamic republic's disputed nuclear programme, lays down terms for MPs' accepting it.

Rohani, a moderate who aims to end Iran's diplomatic isolation, wants an agreement that can lift sanctions that have hobbled the economy.

The draft law says the government must "preserve the country's nuclear rights and achievements", a reference to retaining the ability to enrich uranium and keeping all nuclear facilities open.

Such demands have already been enshrined in an outline agreement struck on April 2 between Iran and the P5+1 powers .

But the bill, whose backers said it would protect Iran's negotiating team from further demands, goes further and says sanctions must be lifted "on the day Iran starts implementing its obligations". P5+1 have said it can only happen upon international verification that Iran has met requirements laid down under a deal.

Some 214 lawmakers out of 244 present supported the bill, with 10 against, six abstentions and the remainder not voting.