Iran Nuclear Talks Resume, Zarif: More Good Steps ahead
Local Editor
World powers resumed negotiations with Iran on Wednesday over Tehran's peaceful nuclear program, more than three weeks after they last met and gave themselves another seven months to strike a deal.
Political directors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany - the so-called P5+1 - are holding a one-day meeting in Geneva with the Iranians, mediated by the European Union.
An EU spokeswoman in the Swiss city stated that the talks had begun, without giving further details. No announcements are expected after the discussions conclude.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Wednesday that nuclear talks with major powers were being conducted in a good atmosphere, "good steps" had been taken and more would be taken.
The discussions were proceeding "in a good atmosphere," Zarif said on state television. "Good steps have been taken, and more will be taken. I think the world needs this settlement, in light of challenges facing us, like the threat of terrorism. It is in everyone's interest."
The US and Iranian delegations met on Monday and Tuesday in Geneva in preparation for the multilateral talks, led by Acting Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araqchi.
The P5+1, which comprises China, the United States, France, Russia, Britain and Germany, last held formal talks with the Iranians last month in Vienna.
They failed to meet a November 24 deadline for a comprehensive deal with Iran on reining in its nuclear program in exchange for an easing of crippling international sanctions.
All parties agreed to give themselves seven more months - until June 30 - to strike a deal, although they said they hoped to have the broad outlines hammered out by March.
Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team
Comments
- Related News
