Talks between Teheran and the six-world major powers on Iran’s controversial nuclear program have stopped short of sealing a deal in Geneva after three days of intensive negotiations that raised hopes of a possible interim agreement.
France has been blamed by Iran and some foreign diplomats for botching up a deal that would have allowed Teheran to freeze its enrichment of uranium, in return for easing economic sanctions and unfreezing $ 50 billion Iranian assets held in foreign banks.
But US secretary of state, John Kerry, has said the major powers were unified on Iran nuclear deal, stressing that it is the Iranians were unable to accept it.
Despite this setback, Britain’s foreign secretary William Hague remained optimistic, saying that a deal could be reached in the next round of negotiations due to start on November 20.
He stressed the need to keep the momentum, affirming that “there is a deal there and it can be done”.
Paris insists that Teheran should stop all its nuclear program and enrichment activities before considering some relief of economic sanctions.
For his part, top Iranian diplomat Mohammad Javad Zarif told media when the talks ended without a deal that “there was a possibility to reach an agreement with the majority of 5+1 but there was a need to have the consent of all and as you have heard?.?.?.?one of the delegations had some problems”, making reference to the French.
Israel backs France firm stand on Iran nuclear program, saying that accepting such a nuclear a deal with Teheran would be historical mistake.
Under terms of the proposed agreement, considered as a first step ahead of further talks for a final deal, Iran would only freeze parts of its nuclear program for as long as six months in exchange for easing sanctions battering its economy.
The deal would also compel Iran to halt its enrichment of uranium to 20 per cent purity – which is close to weapons grade – and turning its existing stockpile of this material into harmless oxide.
According to some experts, the agreement would also require Iran to scale down – but not stop – its enrichment of uranium to the 3.5 per cent level needed for nuclear power stations.
The French signed off on such a deal, saying it does not apply tough rules limiting Iran’s nuclear agenda and ambitions.
The foreign ministers, who were negotiating with Iran, are those of the five permanent members of UN Security Council (Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States) plus Germany.
Some analysts say the Geneva talks have undoubtedly made a progress, affirming that it is just a first step in longer process of give and take.
