Iran Optimistic about Nuclear Deal: Zarif
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed optimism about an agreement with world powers about Tehran’s peaceful nuclear program.
“We are optimistic about reaching an agreement and believe it is possible,” Zarif said Thursday in a meeting with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Zarif also underlined the Islamic Republic’s resolve and goodwill to reach a deal on the nuclear issue.
Nuclear negotiators representing Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) are now in New York to hold a fresh round of talks on Tehran’s civilian nuclear work.
The negotiations are expected to run until at least September 26 on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly.
Iran and the sextet are trying to work out a lasting accord aimed at ending the longstanding dispute over Tehran’s civilian nuclear activities.
Elsewhere in his meeting with Ban Ki-moon, Zarif reiterated Iran’s commitment to working towards enhancing security and stability in the region.
He added that Tehran is determined to maintain good ties with its neighbors and confront extremism and terrorism.
The UN Secretary General, for his part, described Iran as a major player in the region and said Tehran can play a constructive role in resolving regional issues.
