(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed optimism that an agreement on Iran's nuclear ambitions might be in the offing by perhaps next Sunday, a press conference attended by him here on Tuesday revealed.
He made this comment after concluding a round of talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Muhammad Zarif and a short time before leaving Vienna having attended the negotiations between the group of 5+1 nations and Iran regarding the latter's nuclear program.
The group will continue its efforts at reaching a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran, said Kerry, noting that his talks with Zarif achieved a modicum of progress but that much was still waiting to be tackled, namely some crucial issues that have not been dealt with yet.
He added at the press conference that he would relay to US President Barack Obama and to the congress details of his talks here in Vienna and the overall quest to reach a satisfactory resolution to the nuclear issue. "I am returning to Washington today to consult with President Obama and leaders in Congress over the coming days about our prospects for a comprehensive agreement, as well as a path forward if we do not achieve it on July 20, including whether or not more time is needed based on the progress we've made," he said.
On the possibility that Iran could keep its present count of centrifuges as part of a comprehensive long-term agreement leading up to a gradual reduction of sanctions, Kerry said "We have made it crystal clear that the 19,000 centrifuges that are currently part of their program is too many." He was making a reference to a New York Times interview, in which Zarif floated the idea of Tehran keeping its enrichment program, including the number of centrifuges, at current levels for a few years before expanding it.
Zarif emphasized the importance of coming to terms on the question of the centrifuges and on the peaceful thrust of the Iranian nuclear program.
He said that Tehran sought to zero in on points agreed upon as per the Geneva Interim Agreement which all of the negotiators seek to transform into a permanent and comprehensive agreement.
This sixth round of talks between the group of 5+1 nations and Iran had started on July 2nd for the purpose of drafting a permanent agreement and is due to conclude on July 20th.
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