Iran nuclear talks open in Vienna

Iran has begun formal talks with six world powers in Vienna to try to reach a comprehensive agreement to limit its controversial nuclear programme.

The three-day meeting which began yesterday seeks to build on an interim deal signed in November that saw Iran curb uranium enrichment in return for partial sanctions relief.

Both Iran and the US have downplayed hopes of a quick breakthrough.

The world powers suspect Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, something it vigorously denies.

It insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes only.

The talks between representatives of Iran and the so-called P5+1 - the US, UK, France, China and Russia plus Germany - are being chaired by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton.

After dinner with Baroness Ashton on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said he believed a long-term agreement was possible.

“If all sides enter the talks with the political will, we will be able to reach positive results. But it will take time,” he was quoted as saying by the state news agency, Irna.

Mr Zarif ’s remarks came after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say in nuclear matters, was pessimistic about the prospects of a long-term deal.

“What our foreign ministry and officials have started will continue and Iran will not violate its commitments... but this will not lead anywhere,” he said in a speech in Tehran.