UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated today that he welcomed implementation of the Iran nuclear deal as a “significant milestone” hoping that it will boost peace, security and stability in the region.

“This is a significant milestone that reflects the good faith effort by all parties to fulfil their agreed commitments,” Ban Ki-moon said in a statement.

The international sanctions were lifted following an announcement of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stating that Tehran has met its obligations it committed under the agreement signed between world’s most powerful countries and Iran.

Last July, Iran and a group of six countries, namely China, France, Germany, Russia, United Kingdom and United States, signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and entrusted IAEA to verify and monitor Iran’s commitments.

Based on the plan signed, Iran committed never to seek, develop or acquire nuclear weapons, under any circumstances , and the UN Security Council is to consider lifting the sanctions imposed for its Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) violations.

“The Secretary-General hopes the success of this agreement contributes to greater regional and international cooperation for peace, security and stability in the region and beyond,” the statement added.

Moreover, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the release of Americans held by Iran, including Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, and Iranians held by the United States after the governments reached a common agreement.