Iran, powers resume expert-level nuke talks

Expert-level talks between Iran and world powers aimed at clearing the path toward a nuclear deal will held on Wednesday and Thursday in Vienna, a top Iranian official said. 

Iran and the P5+1 group of nations (Britain, China, France, Russia, the US plus Germany) are seeking a comprehensive agreement over Tehran’s nuclear programme by 24 Nov. deadline.

However the talks have been hit by disputes over what limits should be placed on Iran’s atomic activities, particularly its enrichment of uranium, and on the process of lifting US, UN and European sanctions. ‘Negotiations between experts from Iran and the P5+1 will be held Wednesday and Thursday in Vienna,’ Iranian negotiator and deputy foreign minister  was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency. 

The date of the next meeting between the Iranian delegation, the United States and EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who is shepherding the negotiations, will be announced later, according to Araqchi. The deal being sought, after more than a decade of rising tensions, is meant to ease concerns that Iran might be able to develop nuclear weapons under the guise of its civilian energy programme. To do this, the P5+1 wants Iran to scale down dramatically the scope of its atomic activities, offering in return relief from painful sanctions.