Iran nuclear intentions unaffected by talks: Afkham

Iran says it is seriously pursuing its nuclear talks with six world powers, noting that the talks have not undermined its intention to develop nuclear technology for civilian purposes.

“We have announced that we have entered the talks with seriousness and political will, and no change has occurred in Iran’s intention and willpower regarding acquisition of peaceful nuclear technology,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Marzieh Afkham, told a news conference on Wednesday.

She called on the world powers engaged in talks with Tehran to show seriousness in the negotiations in order to clear the way for a final accord.

Iran and the six powers – the United States, France, Britain, Russia, China and Germany – have been discussing ways to iron out differences and start drafting a final deal that would end the decade-old dispute over Tehran’s nuclear energy program.

The two sides inked an interim accord in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 23, 2013. The next round of talks is to start in Vienna on July 2.

“We are bracing for professional and tough talks and we hope that an agreement would be reached with the opposite party [showing] realism,” said Afkham, who added, “Regardless of any conclusion we would reach in the nuclear talks, our national program will follow its normal course.”

On June 18, Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the two sides had started drafting a final deal despite the remaining “fundamental” differences, adding that if the other side shows political will, a comprehensive accord could be reached.