Implementation of Iranian nuclear deal expected soon: China

Final implementation of the Iranian nuclear deal, which downsizes Iran's nuclear program in return for Western sanction relief, is around the corner, a Chinese spokesperson said on Thursday.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will issue its final report on Friday to confirm Iran has met its commitments under the deal, a precondition for sanctions to be lifted.

"Once the implementation day comes, the Iranian nuclear deal will be comprehensively implemented. China is delighted with this," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said at a regular news briefing.

China is in close communication and coordination with parties involved in arrangements for the implementation day, Hong added, without giving a specific date.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also said Wednesday that the implementation of the Iranian nuclear deal will likely take place in the coming days.

On July 14, Iran reached the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with the "P5+1," namely Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany, over its controversial nuclear program after more than 18 months of marathon talks.

Under the nuclear deal, Iran promised to significantly scale back its atomic plan to address Western countries' concerns over its alleged nuclear weapon program.

Commitments for improving transparency of nuclear plans, reducing storage of low-enriched uranium to 300 kilograms and cutting the output of plutonium, another pathway to nuclear weapons, were made by Iran in exchange for international and Western sanctions relief. Endi