World powers struggle for nuclear agreement with Iran

23 Nov BBC

World powers are struggling to reach an interim deal with Iran to limit its nuclear programme, as talks in Geneva move into a third day.

Iran spoke of “serious issues” that must be resolved, while one Western diplomat cited “considerable gaps”.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived to join the talks, and reports say the discussions could extend into the weekend.

The deal could see Iran curb uranium enrichment for some sanctions relief. However, US politicians have indicated they will push forward with a bill proposing more sanctions against Iran next month if the talks fail. US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he would support “broadening the scope” of current oil and trade sanctions.

Both Republican and Democrat congressmen say the threat of sanctions will bolster the negotiating position of the world powers.

President Barack Obama had earlier urged Congress not to promote the bill while talks were going on.

Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but some world powers suspect it is seeking a nuclear weapons capability.

EU foreign policy chief Baroness Catherine Ashton is leading the talks for the world powers. She has begun a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif.

The Geneva talks, which are currently scheduled to conclude on Friday, involve Iran and representatives of the so-called P5+1 - UN Security Council permanent members US, UK, France, China and Russia, plus Germany.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday that negotiations were “positive”, but said meetings were likely to continue into Saturday. US Secretary of State John Kerry may join later.