LAUSANNE (Sputnik) — The P5+1 group of nuclear negotiators and Iran have so far failed to achieve serious progress at the ongoing nuclear talks and are far from reaching a deal, the head of the French delegation, Nicolas de Riviere, said.
“We are far from the deal. Side has not reached serious progress yet,” De Riviere said.
According to the diplomat, the sides consider once again extending the deadline for a political framework deal.
The new round of talks on Iran’s nuclear program began Sunday in Lausanne.
Following talks with his US counterpart on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the sides have better understanding, but there is no clear solution to satisfy both parties.
Iran and six world powers, including five UN Security Council members – Russia, the United States, France, China and the United Kingdom – as well as Germany, have been trying to reach a deal guaranteeing a nuclear weapon-free Iran in exchange for easing long-standing sanctions on the country.
Earlier negotiators agreed to agree on a political framework by March 24. The deadline for a long-term comprehensive agreement on Iran's nuclear program is July.