Iran-Sextet N. Deal Still Possible, Zarif Says
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said a final deal on Tehran’s peaceful nuclear program is still within reach, provided that the negotiating parties set aside “illusions”.
In a message posted on his Twitter account on Sunday, Zarif described the most recent round of nuclear talks in Vienna between Iran and the group of six world powers (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) as “tough discussions”.
He made it clear that a final, comprehensive deal on Tehran’s nuclear program is still possible, but stressed that “illusions need to go.”
“Opportunity shouldn't be missed again like in 2005,” he wrote.
Iran and the world powers wrapped up the latest round of their nuclear talks in Vienna on May 16. The negotiations, aimed at drafting the text of an ultimate accord, came to an end without any tangible results.
Both sides made clear the talks were an uphill struggle. Diplomats from the two sides said positions remain far apart on several issue.
For the first time since the six powers and Iran began negotiating on a long-term deal in Vienna in February, European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who speaks on behalf of the six powers, and Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif chose not to appear for a joint news conference at the end of the talks.
