Iran’s Top Negotiator Calls on West to Seize Opportunity in Vienna 6

(FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif once again called on the western countries to seize the opportunity to reach a final agreement with Tehran on the latter's nuclear standoff with the West.

"A common understanding is needed for the nuclear negotiations to bear fruit," Zarif told reporters after meeting EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton on Thursday.

The Iranian foreign minister urged the West to seize the current opportunity to reach a final agreement with Iran.

He also said that Iran and the Group 5+1 (the US, Russia, China, France and Britain plus Germany) may need to extend the July 20 deadline for drafting a final nuclear deal as they need to reach a “common understanding” regarding the content of the agreement.

Zarif noted that if Tehran and its negotiating partners agree to extend nuclear negotiations, the discussions will continue until November 24 as stipulated in last year’s interim deal.

Iran and its negotiating partners are currently in talks to iron out differences and achieve a permanent comprehensive deal.

The two sides sealed an interim deal in Geneva, Switzerland, last November. The accord took effect in January and expires on July 20, but the deadline can be extended depending on an agreement by all parties involved.