No discussion on extension of Iran nuclear talks

(Tasnim) – A source close to the Iranian nuclear delegation dismissed any talk of a possible extension of a November 24 deadline for a comprehensive nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

“Not any discussion of an extension has been mooted so far in the negotiations, and the parties are trying to reach political consensus on the framework and the general principles and the outstanding issues,” the source told the Tasnim News Agency here in the Austrian capital on Sunday.

“Should such a political consensus be achieved, some period of time will be needed to complete the details,” the source added.

The source, however, did not rule out the possibility that the Monday’s deadline might be pushed back again if differences remain.

“It seems natural that in case of lack of political consensus, the extension of the Geneva Deal would be put on agenda in order to prevent a return to the past and the strife, and the two sides might extend the agreement for another length of time.”

The marathon talks between Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany), aimed at securing a comprehensive deal on Tehran’s peaceful nuclear program, entered the sixth day on Sunday.

On November 24, 2013, Iran and the Group 5+1 (also referred to as the P5+1 or E3+3) signed an interim nuclear deal in the Swiss city of Geneva.

The Geneva deal (the Joint Plan of Action) came into effect in January and expired in July, when the parties decided to extend negotiations until November 24 in the hope of clinching a lasting accord.