Iran, 6 powers discuss sanctions, nuclear cuts

VIENNA (AP) — Iran and six world powers focused Tuesday on what an EU official called the “nitty-gritty” of a deal meant to curb Tehran’s nuclear program and end sanctions on the Islamic Republic. Iran’s foreign minister was more cautious as the talks opened, saying they were meant merely to exchange ideas.

The two sides hope to reach an agreement by July that eases international concerns about Iran’s nuclear-weapons making capacity by trimming and strictly monitoring its atomic programs. Tehran denies any interest in nuclear weapons but is looking for a deal that will give it full relief from sanctions imposed progressively as it expanded its nuclear activities over the past decade.