EU extends Iran sanctions freeze until Jan 2016 after deal

(BRUSSELS) - The EU on Wednesday extended a freeze on sanctions targeting Iran for six months after major powers clinched a historic nuclear deal.

The accord signed in Vienna on the 18th day of talks envisages the relief of UN and EU sanctions against Iran, although they can "snap back" if there are violations.

"Following the agreement reached on 14 July 2015 in Vienna on the Iranian nuclear issue, the Council has prolonged until 14 January 2016 the suspension of EU restrictive measures," the European Council said in a statement.

"This will allow the EU to make the necessary arrangements and preparations for the implementation of the new Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," it said, referring to the text of the deal.

The EU extended the sanctions freeze several times to allow more time for the Vienna talks.

The talks grouped Iran with EU nations Britain, France and Germany, plus China Russia and the United States.