Iran nuclear deal

Iran and six world powers have reached an agreement on a nuclear deal, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said early Sunday (24.11.2013).

"We have reached agreement between E3+3 and Iran," she said, referring to Britain, France, Germany, China, Russia and the United States.

Ashton was chief negotiator for the six powers in their effort to reach a deal to temporarily curb Iran's nuclear program in return for suspension of sanctions.

The French and Iranian foreign ministers said early Sunday that a deal between six world powers and Iran has been struck that calls on Tehran to limit its nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said, "Yes, we have a deal," as he walked past reporters crowding the hotel lobby where marathon negotiations had taken place over the past five days.

Asked if there was a deal, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said "Yes" and gave a thumbs up sign.

The goal had been to agree to freeze Iran's nuclear program for six months, while offering the Iranians limited relief from crippling economic sanctions. If the interim deal holds, the parties will negotiate final-stage agreements to ensure Iran does
not build nuclear weapons.

The deal came after the personal intervention by Secretary of State John Kerry and other foreign ministers whose presence had raised hopes for a breakthrough.

Diplomats refused to spell out details of the talks, which dragged on past midnight.

jm/cmk (AP, AFP)