Optimistic about nuclear negotiations in Vienna: Iranian Foreign Minsitry

dpa Tehran Iran thinks an agreement is possible as diplomats meet in Vienna to draw up a new deal aimed at curbing the Islamic republic’s nuclear capabilit...

dpaTehranIran thinks an agreement is possible as diplomats meet in Vienna to draw up a new deal aimed at curbing the Islamic republic’s nuclear capabilities.“We have made considerable progress and also cleared up some previously contentious issues,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Monday.Despite differences remaining, he said a permanent agreement is feasible in the near future, especially if the United States takes the necessary political decisions.The spokesperson did not give details on the talks. Khatibzadeh also signalled Iran’s willingness to enter into direct dialogue with the US in Vienna. “But for that, the Americans have to change their approach in advance,” he added, again without giving details.Currently, Washington and Tehran have been communicating indirectly via EU coordinator Enrique Mora.“The Americans also know that an agreement in the nuclear dispute is in the interest of all sides, but that a failure of the negotiations would be of no use to anyone,” Khatibzadeh said.His comments come as criticism of the Iranian negotiating team grows within political circles in Tehran. Critics say that without direct contact with Washington, the US sanctions will not be lifted and Iran’s economic crisis will continue.Iran is rich in oil but is suffering one of the worst financial downturns in its history, mainly due to the crippling sanctions.In Vienna, the so-called 4+1 group - China, France, Britain, Russia plus Germany - is trying to save the 2015 Vienna nuclear agreement, after the US unilaterally abandoned the deal in 2018 and reintroduced sanctions.In order for the US to revive the deal, Iran would have to again comply with its obligations under the agreement.