TEHRAN: Iran alleges to have made “important progress” with world powers towards a final deal aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for gradual easing of economic sanctions, according to Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s deputy FM.
Six global powers – Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States – are trying to nail down a deal to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions by reducing its stockpiles of enriched uranium and mothballing some of its sites before a June 30 deadline.
Negotiations last weekend in Geneva, Switzerland, failed to bridge differences between Washington and Tehran, especially over the crucial issue of inspections of military sites.
Other sticking points remain, including the possible military dimensions of the Iranian nuclear program and the demands by the world powers for U.N. inspections of Iranian military bases.
Araghchi said before last week’s talks that it would be “out of the question” for U.N. inspectors to question Iranian scientists and inspect military sites as part of a final deal.
The diplomat said Thursday that reaching a lasting accord would be a “difficult and complicated job.”