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Zarif Returns to Iran and Araqchi Replaces him at Vienna Talks

DSC_6800Update: June 30 2015 – Iranian minister Mohammad Javad Zarif returned from consultations in Tehran to Vienna and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Vienna today June 29 to meet Kerry and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Lavrov did not speak to reporters on his arrival negotiations Hotel.

Iran has complied with a key condition of ongoing nuclear talks by significantly reducing its stockpile of enriched uranium that could be used for atomic weapons, diplomats said Tuesday.

Iran has complied with a key condition of ongoing nuclear talks by significantly reducing its stockpile of enriched uranium that could be used for atomic weapons, diplomats said Tuesday.

The news came as the State Department announced the extension of an interim nuclear agreement that was set to expire Tuesday night, the original deadline for a final deal. According to spokeswoman Marie Harf said: “The preliminary measures have been prolonged to July 7 “to allow more time for negotiations to reach a long-term solution … on the Iran nuclear issue”.

June 29 2015 – Javad Zarif, the Iranian foreign minister left Vienna for Tehran yesterday night June 28 after holding talks with EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, US Secretary of State John Kerry and the European foreign ministers.

DSC_6785His deputy Abbas Araqchi and Majid Takhat Ravanchi are replacing him in discussions with the European Union Foreign Policy Deputy Helga Schmidt.

On Tuesday, Zarif will return to Vienna after flying home for consultations with his government on how to proceed at the talks.

Deputy foreign ministers of Iran and the P5+1 resumed drafting the final nuclear deal here on Monday.

One of the thorniest issues still blocking a deal is ensuring that the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can finally report that Iran’s nuclear program is entirely peaceful.

Global powers, Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States are seeking to end a 12-year standoff with Iran over its suspect nuclear program.

The parties have set a Tuesday deadline for a final accord, with several countries saying they are prepared to walk away if Iran cannot meet their demands.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrives in Vienna to join Iran nuclear talks. He will meet with US Secretary of State John Kerry in an attempt to resolve disputes that have forced an extension of the negotiations.

Negotiators still hope for success in the current round of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 on Tehran’s nuclear program in Vienna .