Zarif: Iran Nuclear Deal ’Never Been Closer’

Local Editor

Iran and global powers had started key talks in Vienna amid signs they might be inching towards a historic nuclear deal to end a 13-year standoff.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday said the world had "never been closer" to reaching an accord with his country.

As Zarif met US Secretary of State John Kerry for fresh talks on Friday, the top US diplomat praised "the genuine effort" being made by all sides and insisted progress had been made despite "tough issues" though he indicated that there was more work to be done.

Adding to that, Zarif offered the promise of greater cooperation to tackle other global problems, such as the rise of "ISIL" should the deal be sealed.

Speaking in English from the balcony of the Viennese hotel hosting the talks, Zarif said in a message posted on YouTube that at "this 11th hour, despite some differences that remain, we have never been closer to a lasting outcome".

"Getting to yes requires the courage to compromise, the self-confidence to be flexible, the maturity to be reasonable," he added.

But he added that Iran was ready to strike "a balanced and good deal" which could "open new horizons to address important common challenges".

"Our common threat today is the growing menace of violent extremism and outright barbarism," he stated in a clear reference to "ISIL".

After missing several deadlines, the so-called P5+1 group - US, UK, China, France, Russia, and Germany - had now given themselves until Tuesday to conclude the deal.

"We're really in the endgame of all this," a senior US administration official told reporters saying it was conceivable the talks could run past July 7 if they were on the verge of a final agreement.

All sides say a deal is within reach. The US, European and Iranian officials, including US Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Iranian deputy foreign ministers Abbas Araqchi and Majid Takhteravanchi, held a six-hour negotiating session that ended at 3 a.m. on Friday, a senior US official said.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team