Hope, but no breakthrough so far in nuclear talks with Iran

“Deep gaps” remain between world powers and Iran over its nuclear program, a Russian official said on Wednesday, as negotiations intensified toward a November 24 deadline.

 

But speaking from Muscat, Oman, where the negotiators have converged for several days after basing their talks in Vienna, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov expressed optimism that a deal could be reached by the deadline.

 

“We aren’t looking at the possibility of not reaching a deal by November 24,” Ryabkov, who was present at the latest talks in Muscat this week, said on Wednesday.

 

“We are focused completely on the task before us, in so far as we have a chance, and it’s not small. We can’t miss [the opportunity].”

 

But Ryabkov’s optimism came as Tehran confirmed the government had tested a new centrifuge that could speed uranium enrichment, fueling the infrastructure with gas, in possible violation of an international agreement.

 

Read More: Moscow: Hope, but no breakthrough so far in nuclear talks with Iran