Iran, World Powers Unlikely to Extend Nuclear Talks: Negotiator
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A senior Iranian negotiator said he saw “very little” chances of an extension of nuclear negotiations between Tehran and six world powers, but added with a sense of optimism that diplomacy would continue in a bid to strike a deal before a November 24 deadline.
"I see very, very little possibility to extend even more. We would be in a difficult position, I suppose, but I believe that diplomacy would never end. I prefer to remain optimistic and hopeful," Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araqchi, who is also a top member of the team of nuclear negotiators, said in an interview with France24 television on Tuesday.
"We are still at the table and we will remain at the table until the last minute," he added.
Iran and the Group 5+1 (alternatively known as P5+1 or E3+3) are in talks to reach a final agreement over Tehran’s nuclear energy program and the removal of unjustified sanctions against Iran.
Representatives from Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) are expected to hold a gathering on the sidelines of the upcoming session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York for talks on Tehran’s nuclear program.
On July 18, after more than two weeks of intensive diplomatic negotiations in Vienna, the two sides agreed to continue talks for another four months.
The parties decided to extend the nuclear talks until November 24 in the hope of clinching a final deal. The four-month extension of the talks began on July 21.
Elsewhere in his interview, Araqchi made it clear that Tehran has come up with plenty of “ideas” to allay concerns about its peaceful nuclear program.
"We have ideas and our ideas would address all concerns... We have presented our ideas in the previous round. We are going to present again those ideas," he said.
"We are serious, determined and we have ideas for each and every problem which exists on the table,” the Iranian diplomat added.
Araqchi arrived in Paris on Tuesday to continue diplomatic consultations over Tehran's peaceful nuclear program in a meeting with top French negotiator Nicolas de Rivière.