Iran fully prepared to reach nuclear deal by July 20: Araqchi
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Vienna, May 14, IRNA -- Iran is determined to reach an agreeement with the six western powers on its peaceful nuclear program before the July 20 deadline, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said here at a press briefing late Tuesday evening.
Iran is fully prepared to achieve an agreement before the deadline, Araqchi said.
We are very hopeful and so is the other side that an agreement can be reached before July 20, if there is goodwill and real political determination, he reiterated.
He said there would be three additional rounds of negotiations besides the current one to make headway towards a permanent nuclear deal.
Two rounds of talks would be held in June while the third round could be streched as long as 20 days in July, if there is a need for it, Araghchi said.
He stressed negotiations were at the most sensitive stage, saying the start of drafting a final accord was the most difficult and complicated phase.
Araqchi acknowledged some of the issues were really difficult and there remained some big gaps.
Bridging the gaps is very difficult but not hopeless, he said.
Irans senior nuclear negotiator made clear the United States had to make lso tough decisions in a bid to reach a potentially historic nuclear agreement with Iran.
The American side has to make tough decisions and not be under any illusions, Araqchi said.
He cited Washingtons acceptance of Tehrans right to enrich uranium as an example of one of those tough choices.
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