Nuclear Deal With Iran Should Not Be 'Sealed at Any Price': Hammond

LONDON, November 25 (Sputnik) — A comprehensive nuclear deal with Iran should not come at any price, but it should clearly state that Tehran would not be able to develop a nuclear weapons capability, UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said Tuesday.

"We cannot and will not succumb to the temptation of sealing a deal at any price, but we will remain steadfast in pursuit of a comprehensive agreement which respects the clear principle that Iran must not be able to develop a nuclear weapons capability," Hammond said at the House of Commons.

"The negotiations with Iran are tough and complex, but a comprehensive agreement would bring enormous benefits to all parties," Hammond stated, explaining that it would mean the "reintegration into the international community" for Iran, and "a considerable advance for regional and global security" for the international community.

The latest round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 countries (Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China and Germany) wrapped up in Vienna on Monday with the parties having failed to reach a comprehensive deal on Iran's nuclear program by the earlier set November 24 deadline. The sides agreed to prolong the Geneva agreements and continue their dialogue until July 2015.

The West has been accusing Iran of developing nuclear weapons under the guise of civilian activities, though this has been repeatedly denied by officials in Tehran, who claim the country's nuclear development is peaceful in nature and aimed at satisfying Iran's energy needs.