Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The representatives of Iran and the six world powers resumed the high-level nuclear talks in Vienna on May 13.

Iranian negotiator in the talks has said Iran committed to come on an agreement with P5+1 group over Tehran's nuclear program.

"Iran is determined to reach an agreement with the six western powers on its nuclear program before the July 20 deadline," Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said at a press briefing on May 13, IRNA reported.

Araqchi said Iran is fully prepared to achieve an agreement before the deadline.

"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 said.

Araqchi further said there would be three additional rounds of negotiations besides the current one to make headway towards a permanent nuclear deal.

He informed that the two rounds of talks would be held in June while the third round could be stretched as long as 20 days in July, if there is a need for it.

Araqchi stressed that 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.

Araqchi made clear that the United States had to make also 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, Araghchi said.

He cited Washington's acceptance of Tehran's right to enrich uranium as an example of one of those tough choices.

Iran and the P5+1 are working to hammer out a comprehensive deal following the interim accord that was reached in the Swiss city of Geneva on November 24, 2013 and went into force on January 20 this year.

Under the Geneva deal, the six countries pledged to provide Iran with some sanctions relief in exchange for the Islamic Republic agreeing to scale down certain aspects of its nuclear activities during a six-month period.