Zarif, Mogherini Upbeat on “Positive” Nuclear Deal

"I took the opportunity to be updated on the status of nuclear negotiations…We clearly share the same perspective on the need to reach an agreement on the nuclear issue by November, which could allow greater stability and security in the region. I hope negotiations will lead to a positive agreement and within the established time, that is November 23," Mogherini said at a press conference after the meeting with Zarif in Rome on Wednesday.

The Iranian foreign minister for his part welcomed the recent appointment of Mogherini as the new EU foreign policy chief and called for a closer relationship with Italy and with the EU.

He also underlined the positive role Italy could play as a "bridge" between Europe and the Islamic World.

“This role could be strengthened with the appointment of Mogherini as EU top diplomat," said Zarif.

The Iranian foreign minister arrived in Rome earlier on Wednesday at the invitation of Mogherini, as third and last stop of his three-nation diplomatic tour in Europe.

Earlier this week, Zarif held talks with outgoing EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in Brussels to discuss issues related to Iran's nuclear program. Ashton coordinates nuclear talks between Iran and the five permanent members of UN Security Council plus Germany. 

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.

The two sides are supposed to hold meetings in New York in September.

Iran and the sextet –Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany- clinched a landmark interim deal in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 23, 2013. The agreement took effect on January 20 and expired six months later on July 20.

In July, the two sides agreed on the extension of their discussions until November 24 in an effort to achieve a permanent nuclear deal to settle a decade-long standoff on Iran’s peaceful nuclear energy program.