Russia's Lavrov to join Iran nuclear talks
Earlier today, Iran and world powers set a new Monday deadline as they traded blame over the pace of talks on Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Several sticking points remain as both sides say they won't rush a deal.
The extra time marks the third extension in two weeks amid Iranian claims that world powers are making "excessive demands" from different positions.
Iran and the P5+1 - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States – reached a draft deal on Tehran's nuclear program on April 2 in Lausanne. After missing the initial deadline of June 30 last week, both sides gave themselves until July 7 to reach the final agreement and end the 13-year standoff.
A potential deal would lift the Western sanctions on Iran and place long-term limits on Iran's civilian nuclear program, making it difficult for the Islamic country to make nuclear weapons.
Iran denies allegations from the West that it has the capabilities to produce nuclear weapons.
Some optimism
US Secretary of State John Kerry, however, is hopeful a deal could be struck soon.
"I think we are getting to some real decisions," Kerry told reporters after his last meeting on Sunday with Iranian Foreign Minsiter Javad Zarif. "So I will say, because we have a few tough things to do, I remain hopeful. Hopeful."
Kerry's optimism is shared by an Iranian official, who told Reuters the deal was close.
"The deal is within reach today...but some issues remain that need to be resolved by foreign ministers," the official said.
Israeli criticism
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused P5+1 countries of "caving" into Iran's pressure even when its leaders are criticizing the West.
Iran's state-run Press TV had earlier quoted the Middle Eastern nation's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as calling the US an "excellent example of arrogance." He urged the country's youth to continue "the struggle against arrogant powers" irrespective of the outcome of the nuclear talks.
Netanyahu said that Khamenei's speech was proof of Tehran's evil intentions, adding that his country would not accept the deal.
shs/jlw (AP, AFP, Reuters)
