Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Following Iran-U.S. talks to narrow gaps on Tehran’s disputed nuclear program, the Iranian foreign policy head said “good progress was made on certain topics” during bilateral negotiations with the U.S. delegate in Geneva.

However, Mohammad Javad Zarif noted that there are still issues that will be discussed in Geneva next week, Iranian media reported.

Nuclear talks between representatives from Iran and the U.S. started on February 22 in Geneva. The two sides held three rounds of nuclear talks in two days in an attempt to narrow differences ahead of a key July 1 deadline for reaching a comprehensive deal.

Meanwhile, the European Union's foreign policy chief stressed a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear program would benefit all sides.

Federica Mogherini said at Chatham House - London-based think tank - that Iran nuclear deal was “at hand” if the negotiating sides demonstrated political will.

"We cannot miss this opportunity," Mogherini told the press.

As the nuclear talks on Iran’s nuclear energy program have entered a crucial stage, speculations as to the results of the talks have been many and often conflicting.

While some continue to believe that talks will bring good results and lead to a final nuclear deal, others however feel chances for an agreement remain remote.

Iran and the six world powers have missed two deadlines so far since an interim deal was sealed in November 2013. The two sides have set July 1st as the next deadline for reaching a final deal.

Esmail Kovsari, member of Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy commission said achieving an agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group is unlikely during the current time-frame.

He told Trend that negotiations thus far have not achieved any success despite some claims made to the contrary. He added that because western powers have pursued political issues rather than nuclear issues in the negotiations, progress have stalled.

Ali Khorram, former Iranian diplomat to the United Nations noted that the country’s nuclear talks are on track.

He said, "The Group P5+1 (the U.S., UK, Russia, China, France, and Germany) have reached a positive understanding with Iran, which is likely to turn into final agreements."

Khorram went on to say that all parties had reached a better understanding of one another, contributing to trust and political empathy. He stressed, "Iran understands the Group P5+1 better and as a result both parties trust in each other more."

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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