The removal of sanctions is set to be the focus of nuclear talks, as Iran and the six major world powers resume negotiations Wednesday in Vienna.
After a framework nuclear deal was reached in Switzerland on April 2, discrepancies have emerged regarding what Iran and the P5+1 countries — United States, Britain, Russia, France, China and Germany — think of the timing and scope of sanctions removal.
Now, the negotiations will ramp up once Iran and the six powers work toward a final deal.
“Lifting sanctions will be one of the main topics in this round of talks … If the other party shows political good will, we can reach a final agreement,” Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Iranian state TV on Wednesday.
Talks between the European Union political director Helga Schmid and Araghchi begin Wednesday at 8 a.m. EST. Talks between Iran and the P5+1 countries — including U.S. Under Secretary Wendy Sherman — will follow this week.
Iran has pushed it will only accept a final deal if all sanctions are simultaneously lifted; the U.S. has said the sanctions will be phased out.
The deadline for a final deal remains June 30.
(H/T Reuters)
