Sources say Iran against two-stage agreement with P5+1

Nuclear negotiations have been continuing in the Swiss city of Lausanne between the Iranian and US foreign ministers, deputies and experts and with the presence of the EU’s deputy foreign policy chief.

Iran’s leading negotiator Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif told us talks are moving in the right direction.

Head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization Ali Akbar Salehi referred to his talks with US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and said the sides have come close to a common understanding on many items though some issues remain to be dealt with. Reports indicate the main differences concern sanctions’ removal and research and development.

Iran says it’s too soon to say whether by the end of March the sides will be ready to start drafting a comprehensive deal expected to be signed until the end of June.

Sources close to the Iranian team have emphasized that Foreign Minister Zarif is NOT in favor of a two-stage agreement, meaning that as far as Iran is concerned a signed agreement on paper will only be achievable by the end of June.