(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) US Secretary of State John Kerry held talks with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif last night and Monday in Vienna in a bid to reach a comprehensive final agreement on the Iranian nuclear program before July 20.
Kerry, whose meeting with Zarif took place on sidelines of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 group, said yesterday there were still outstanding issues regarding means through which Iran would decrease its capabilities to produce nuclear energy.
The P5+1 group - five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany - wants to minimize Iran's nuclear capabilities to prevent the Islamic Republic from manufacturing a nuclear bomb in return of gradual lifting of sanctions.
Iran insists that its nuclear program was purely peaceful and has been requesting the swift lift of sanctions.
However, inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are worried that Iran might be hiding its nuclear activities which would raise global doubts.
Zarif, following his meeting with Kerry, said the Iranian negotiators were determined to work very hard in the next seven days to reach a comprehensive agreement that would satisfy both parties.
The sticky point is the level of uranium enrichment. "Iran should show flexibility regarding the major issues because it will be difficult to reach a result during the remaining seven days," a western diplomat who participates in negotiations said in press remarks on condition of anonymity.
France, Britain and Germany have also voiced determination to reach a comprehensive agreement with Iran. The two sides reach an interim deal in Geneva last November which aimed at decreasing Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities in return of easing of sanctions.
Kerry and Zarif will hold a third meeting in yet another bid to break the stalemate.
In Washington, White House Spokesperson Josh Earnest told reporters that Kerry would return to the US following his meetings in Vienna to make recommendations to President Barack Obama regarding the next steps to take.
"It's important to recognize that we've made some important progress in this round. Iran has come to these talks in a serious manner," said Earnest.
He added, "To its credit, Iran has defied the expectations of some by actually fulfilling the obligations under the Joint Plan of Action." The Joint Plan of Action was based on Iran taking steps in rolling back their nuclear program in exchange for limited relief on sanctions in the country.
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