Following the stalled Iran nuclear talks, the IAEA reprimanded Iran for its failure to explain traces of uranium found at undeclared sites and Iran turning off 27 surveillance cameras from nuclear sites across the country. Satellite images have now shown Iran reportedly making preparations for a space rocket launch

'Iran's satellite launch breaks UNSC resolution,' says US

Amid the ongoing stalemate over Iran nuclear deal and US sanctions, Iran's currency Rial's value has dropped to a new low. The price of basic commodities reaches a record high.

The economic crisis in Iran: Rial value drops amid US sanctions

Iran on Thursday began removing all the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring equipment installed under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, giving a near-fatal blow to the chances of reviving the deal.

France, Britain and Germany condemned Iran, saying the move cast a doubt on Tehran's will to revive the accord." These actions only aggravate the situation and complicate our efforts to restore full implementation of the JCPoA (nuclear deal)," the three countries said in a statement. "They also cast further doubt on Iran’s commitment to a successful outcome."

Iran had warned of retaliation if the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution drafted by the United States, France, Britain and Germany criticising Tehran for its continued failure to explain uranium traces found at undeclared sites. The resolution was passed by a crushing majority late on Wednesday.

Iran told the agency overnight it planned to remove equipment including 27 IAEA cameras as of Thursday, which is "basically all" the extra monitoring equipment installed under the 2015 deal going beyond Iran's core obligations to the agency, IAEA Chief Grossi told a news conference.

That leaves a window of opportunity of three to four weeks to restore at least some of the monitoring that is being scrapped, or the IAEA will lose the ability to piece together Iran's most important nuclear activities. "I think this would be a fatal blow (to reviving the deal)," Grossi said of what would happen if that window went unused.

U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity said even after the three or four week period Iran could still provide additional information to allow for the nuclear deal's revival. "We are not on death watch (for the next) three to four weeks," said a senior U.S. official, saying the deal could be resurrected, although the longer Iran withheld access the more transparency it would have to give the IAEA.

Indirect talks between Iran and the United States on reviving the 2015 deal have been stalled since March.&nbsp;"You think we would retreat from our positions if you pass a resolution at the (IAEA) Board of Governors? In the name of God and the great nation of Iran, we will not back off a single step from our positions," Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said in a speech.

Since then-President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the deal and re-imposed sanctions against Tehran in 2018, Iran has breached many of the deal's limits on its nuclear activities. It is enriching uranium to close to weapons grade.

[with inputs from agencies]

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Iran on Thursday began removing all the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring equipment installed under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, giving a near-fatal blow to the chances of reviving the deal.

Iran on Thursday began removing all the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitoring equipment installed under the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, giving a near-fatal blow to the chances of reviving the deal. France, Britain and Germany condemned Iran, saying the move cast a doubt on Tehran's will to revive the accord." These actions only aggravate the situation and complicate our efforts to restore full implementation of the JCPoA (nuclear deal)," the three countries said in a statement. "They also cast further doubt on Iran’s commitment to a successful outcome." Iran had warned of retaliation if the IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution drafted by the United States, France, Britain and Germany criticising Tehran for its continued failure to explain uranium traces found at undeclared sites. The resolution was passed by a crushing majority late on Wednesday. Iran told the agency overnight it planned to remove equipment including 27 IAEA cameras as of Thursday, which is "basically all" the extra monitoring equipment installed under the 2015 deal going beyond Iran's core obligations to the agency, IAEA Chief Grossi told a news conference. That leaves a window of opportunity of three to four weeks to restore at least some of the monitoring that is being scrapped, or the IAEA will lose the ability to piece together Iran's most important nuclear activities. "I think this would be a fatal blow (to reviving the deal)," Grossi said of what would happen if that window went unused. U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity said even after the three or four week period Iran could still provide additional information to allow for the nuclear deal's revival. "We are not on death watch (for the next) three to four weeks," said a senior U.S. official, saying the deal could be resurrected, although the longer Iran withheld access the more transparency it would have to give the IAEA. Indirect talks between Iran and the United States on reviving the 2015 deal have been stalled since March. "You think we would retreat from our positions if you pass a resolution at the (IAEA) Board of Governors? In the name of God and the great nation of Iran, we will not back off a single step from our positions," Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said in a speech. Since then-President Donald Trump pulled Washington out of the deal and re-imposed sanctions against Tehran in 2018, Iran has breached many of the deal's limits on its nuclear activities. It is enriching uranium to close to weapons grade. [with inputs from agencies] WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran’s removal of monitoring cameras gives ‘fatal’ blow to 2015 nuclear deal: IAEA

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday adopted a resolution that formally criticises Iran for not co-operating with United Nations (UN) nuclear inspectorate, said AFP quoting diplomatic sources. The move has come just hours after Iran decided to disconnect IAEA's cameras at its nuclear sites.

The motion to formally criticises Iran was brought by United States, Britain, France and Germany. The motion was voted against by Russia and China.

The motion is the first to criticise Iran since June 2020. It has come even as talks to restore Iran nuclear deal are in a stalemate. The nuclear deal, considered a landmark international agreement, was struck by the US and other world powers with Iran. But when former US president Donald Trump took office, he took USA out of the deal.

Prior to Iran's disconnection of IAEA cameras at the nuclear site, the Islamic republic had drawn international flak for not adequately explaining UN watchdog's questions on traces of Uranium at undeclared sites in the country.

The move was welcomed by Israel, which said it was a "first and necessary step towards the goal of restoring Iran's compliance with its safeguards obligations".

Iran said the cameras it has disconnected had been operating as a "goodwill gesture", outside its safeguard agreement with the IAEA.

(With inputs from agencies)

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International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday adopted a resolution that formally criticises Iran for not co-operating with United Nations (UN) nuclear inspectorate, said AFP quoting diplomatic sources.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Wednesday adopted a resolution that formally criticises Iran for not co-operating with United Nations (UN) nuclear inspectorate, said AFP quoting diplomatic sources. The move has come just hours after Iran decided to disconnect IAEA's cameras at its nuclear sites. The motion to formally criticises Iran was brought by United States, Britain, France and Germany. The motion was voted against by Russia and China. The motion is the first to criticise Iran since June 2020. It has come even as talks to restore Iran nuclear deal are in a stalemate. The nuclear deal, considered a landmark international agreement, was struck by the US and other world powers with Iran. But when former US president Donald Trump took office, he took USA out of the deal. Prior to Iran's disconnection of IAEA cameras at the nuclear site, the Islamic republic had drawn international flak for not adequately explaining UN watchdog's questions on traces of Uranium at undeclared sites in the country. The move was welcomed by Israel, which said it was a "first and necessary step towards the goal of restoring Iran's compliance with its safeguards obligations". Iran said the cameras it has disconnected had been operating as a "goodwill gesture", outside its safeguard agreement with the IAEA. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Nuclear deal in trouble? IAEA formally criticisises Iran for non-cooperation: Report

The US said on Thursday (June 2) that it will back a European resolution urging Iran to cooperate with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog. USA's stand has come despite Iranian warnings that such a move would scuttle diplomcay. b

"We can confirm that we plan to join the UK, France and Germany in seeking a resolution focused on the need for Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA," State Department spokesman Ned Price said ahead of a meeting next week.

"It is essential that Iran does fully comply with its legally binding obligations" under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," Price told reporters.

Talks to revive 2015 nuclear deal with Iran are in a stalemate. The deal, struck in 2015, put limitations on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for relief from sanctions. Former US president Donald Trump took the US out of the deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on the Islamic republic. &nbsp;

President Joe Biden backs a return to the agreement and his administration has previously steered clear of condemning Iran at the IAEA, with the Europeans also backing down.

But the US negotiator on Iran has said that chances are dimming for an agreement despite more than a year of indirect talks.

The Biden administration has voiced willingness to remove sweeping sanctions imposed by Trump in exchange for Iran's returning to full compliance.

But Iran has also pressed for the removal of the clerical state's elite Revolutionary Guards from a terrorism blacklist, a step that Biden has rejected.

The latest IAEA report said Iran has not clarified questions about the presence of nuclear material found at three undeclared sites.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US said on Thursday (June 2) that it will back a European resolution urging Iran to cooperate with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog.

The US said on Thursday (June 2) that it will back a European resolution urging Iran to cooperate with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog. USA's stand has come despite Iranian warnings that such a move would scuttle diplomcay. b "We can confirm that we plan to join the UK, France and Germany in seeking a resolution focused on the need for Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA," State Department spokesman Ned Price said ahead of a meeting next week. "It is essential that Iran does fully comply with its legally binding obligations" under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," Price told reporters. Talks to revive 2015 nuclear deal with Iran are in a stalemate. The deal, struck in 2015, put limitations on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for relief from sanctions. Former US president Donald Trump took the US out of the deal and reimposed crippling sanctions on the Islamic republic. President Joe Biden backs a return to the agreement and his administration has previously steered clear of condemning Iran at the IAEA, with the Europeans also backing down. But the US negotiator on Iran has said that chances are dimming for an agreement despite more than a year of indirect talks. The Biden administration has voiced willingness to remove sweeping sanctions imposed by Trump in exchange for Iran's returning to full compliance. But Iran has also pressed for the removal of the clerical state's elite Revolutionary Guards from a terrorism blacklist, a step that Biden has rejected. The latest IAEA report said Iran has not clarified questions about the presence of nuclear material found at three undeclared sites. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US to back IAEA resolution in spite of Iranian resistance

Iran on Tuesday lashed out at a report by UN nuclear watchdog as "not fair". The report by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mentions traces of nuclear material found at three undeclared sites.

"Unfortunately, this report does not reflect the reality of the negotiations between Iran and the IAEA," Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told&nbsp;reporters, referring to the Monday report by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

"It's not a fair and balanced report," he said, adding: "We expect this path to be corrected."

The development has taken place as talks to revive 2015 nuclear deal remain deadlocked. The 2015 nuclear deal was struck between Iran and world powers. It put limitations on Iran's atomic programme but gave it relief by lifting of sanctions.

In 2018, former US president Donald Trump unilaterally took the US out of the deal.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deception-plan-iran-stole-classified-documents-from-iaea-says-israeli-pm-483892">'Deception plan': Iran stole classified documents from IAEA, says Israeli PM</a>

In IAEA's report, the watchdog has said that it has questions which were "not clarified" regarding nuclear material previously found at three sites -- Marivan, Varamin and Turquzabad -- which had not been declared by Iran as having hosted nuclear activities.

It said its long-running efforts to get Iranian officials to explain the presence of nuclear material had failed to provide answers to its questions.

Iran and the IAEA agreed in March on an approach for resolving the issue of the sites, one of the remaining obstacles to reviving the 2015 deal. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi is due to "report his conclusions" to the watchdog's board of governors at a meeting scheduled for next week.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran on Tuesday lashed out at a report by UN nuclear watchdog as "not fair". The report by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mentions traces of nuclear material found at three undeclared sites.

Iran on Tuesday lashed out at a report by UN nuclear watchdog as "not fair". The report by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mentions traces of nuclear material found at three undeclared sites. "Unfortunately, this report does not reflect the reality of the negotiations between Iran and the IAEA," Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters, referring to the Monday report by the International Atomic Energy Agency. "It's not a fair and balanced report," he said, adding: "We expect this path to be corrected." The development has taken place as talks to revive 2015 nuclear deal remain deadlocked. The 2015 nuclear deal was struck between Iran and world powers. It put limitations on Iran's atomic programme but gave it relief by lifting of sanctions. In 2018, former US president Donald Trump unilaterally took the US out of the deal. Also Read | 'Deception plan': Iran stole classified documents from IAEA, says Israeli PM In IAEA's report, the watchdog has said that it has questions which were "not clarified" regarding nuclear material previously found at three sites -- Marivan, Varamin and Turquzabad -- which had not been declared by Iran as having hosted nuclear activities. It said its long-running efforts to get Iranian officials to explain the presence of nuclear material had failed to provide answers to its questions. Iran and the IAEA agreed in March on an approach for resolving the issue of the sites, one of the remaining obstacles to reviving the 2015 deal. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi is due to "report his conclusions" to the watchdog's board of governors at a meeting scheduled for next week. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'Not fair', says Iran on IAEA report on undeclared sites

Iran&nbsp;said Monday it will&nbsp;only&nbsp;return&nbsp;to&nbsp;Vienna&nbsp;in order to&nbsp;finalise&nbsp;an agreement to revive its landmark 2015&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with world powers, with the last steps dependent on Washington.

Tehran has been engaged in long-running negotiations in the Austrian capital to revive the&nbsp;deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia directly, and the United States indirectly.

"We will not be going to&nbsp;Vienna&nbsp;for new negotiations but to&nbsp;finalise&nbsp;the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;agreement," foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters in Tehran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-envoy-not-confident-iran-nuclear-deal-is-imminent-465909">US envoy not confident Iran nuclear deal is imminent</a>

However,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;said there were still outstanding issues that it was waiting on Washington to settle.

"At the moment, we do not yet have a definitive answer from Washington," Khatibzadeh said.

"If Washington answers the outstanding questions, we can go to&nbsp;Vienna&nbsp;as soon as possible."

The JCPOA gave&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;programme to guarantee that Tehran could not develop or acquire an atomic bomb -- something it has always denied wanting to do.

But the US unilateral withdrawal from the accord in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump, who reimposed biting economic sanctions which prompted&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;to begin rolling back its own commitments.

'Final phase'

The&nbsp;Vienna&nbsp;talks aim to&nbsp;return&nbsp;the US to the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal, including through the lifting of sanctions on&nbsp;Iran, and to ensure Tehran's full compliance with its commitments.

Iranian and US delegations in&nbsp;Vienna&nbsp;do not communicate directly but through other participants and the European Union, the talks' coordinator.

Nearly a year of negotiations have brought the parties close to renewing the 2015 accord.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 12 Iranian Missiles land in Iraq

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But the talks were halted last month, after Russia demanded guarantees that Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine would not damage its trade with&nbsp;Iran.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov later said Moscow had received the necessary guarantees from Washington on trade with&nbsp;Iran.

Among the key sticking points is Tehran's demand to remove from the US terror list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the ideological arm of&nbsp;Iran's military.

Washington recently confirmed that sanctions on the Guards would stay.

On Wednesday, the US Treasury announced measures targeting several entities it accused of involvement in procuring supplies for&nbsp;Iran's ballistic missile programme.

A day later, Khatibzadeh said Washington's imposition of the fresh sanctions on the Islamic Republic showed its "ill will" towards&nbsp;Iran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-agreement-with-iran-very-close-says-eu-465690">Nuclear agreement with Iran very close, says EU</a>

On Monday, Khatibzadeh levelled further criticism at the US.

"Today, in the final phase, the United States seeks to deprive&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;of the economic benefits of the agreement," Khatibzadeh said.

On Sunday, however,&nbsp;Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said an agreement was "close", during a phone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"We have passed on our proposals on the remaining issues to the American side through the EU senior negotiator, and now the ball is in US court,"&nbsp;Iran's top diplomat said.

Iran said Monday it will only return to Vienna in order to finalise an agreement to revive its landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, with the last steps dependent on Washington.

Iran said Monday it will only return to Vienna in order to finalise an agreement to revive its landmark 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, with the last steps dependent on Washington. Tehran has been engaged in long-running negotiations in the Austrian capital to revive the deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia directly, and the United States indirectly. "We will not be going to Vienna for new negotiations but to finalise the nuclear agreement," foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters in Tehran. Also read | US envoy not confident Iran nuclear deal is imminent However, Iran said there were still outstanding issues that it was waiting on Washington to settle. "At the moment, we do not yet have a definitive answer from Washington," Khatibzadeh said. "If Washington answers the outstanding questions, we can go to Vienna as soon as possible." The JCPOA gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme to guarantee that Tehran could not develop or acquire an atomic bomb -- something it has always denied wanting to do. But the US unilateral withdrawal from the accord in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump, who reimposed biting economic sanctions which prompted Iran to begin rolling back its own commitments. 'Final phase' The Vienna talks aim to return the US to the nuclear deal, including through the lifting of sanctions on Iran, and to ensure Tehran's full compliance with its commitments. Iranian and US delegations in Vienna do not communicate directly but through other participants and the European Union, the talks' coordinator. Nearly a year of negotiations have brought the parties close to renewing the 2015 accord. Watch | Gravitas: 12 Iranian Missiles land in Iraq But the talks were halted last month, after Russia demanded guarantees that Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine would not damage its trade with Iran. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov later said Moscow had received the necessary guarantees from Washington on trade with Iran. Among the key sticking points is Tehran's demand to remove from the US terror list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the ideological arm of Iran's military. Washington recently confirmed that sanctions on the Guards would stay. On Wednesday, the US Treasury announced measures targeting several entities it accused of involvement in procuring supplies for Iran's ballistic missile programme. A day later, Khatibzadeh said Washington's imposition of the fresh sanctions on the Islamic Republic showed its "ill will" towards Iran. Also read | Nuclear agreement with Iran very close, says EU On Monday, Khatibzadeh levelled further criticism at the US. "Today, in the final phase, the United States seeks to deprive Iran of the economic benefits of the agreement," Khatibzadeh said. On Sunday, however, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said an agreement was "close", during a phone conversation with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "We have passed on our proposals on the remaining issues to the American side through the EU senior negotiator, and now the ball is in US court," Iran's top diplomat said.

Iran says will return to Vienna only to finalise nuclear deal

US state department spokesman Ned Price said, "We are close to a possible deal, but we're not there yet. I want to be clear that an agreement is neither imminent nor is it certain."

US says less optimistic about reaching nuclear deal with Iran

Washington said Wednesday it was "close" to a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;on reviving a 2015 pact that saw Western powers provide sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on&nbsp;Tehran's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;programme, the latest sign of advancement following prolonged deadlock.

Days after Russian demands seemed to jeopardize talks in Vienna over restoring the pact, this week has seen multiple positive signals that an accord may at last be within reach, including the release of two British Iranians Wednesday after years of detention in&nbsp;Iran, and word that outstanding issues have narrowed to just two.

The negotiations began last April between Britain, China, France, Germany,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and Russia, with the United States taking part indirectly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-talks-of-remaining-two-issues-to-revive-nuclear-deal-462988">Iran talks of remaining 'two issues' to revive nuclear deal</a>

Now a successful resolution appears more viable than at any point in years.

"We are&nbsp;close&nbsp;to a possible&nbsp;deal, but we're not there yet," said State Department spokesman Ned Price. "We do think the remaining issues can be bridged."

Speaking to reporters, Price declined to confirm&nbsp;Tehran's claim that there were just a pair of final issues to be sorted out, down from four, before agreeing to restore the six-party Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which aimed to prevent&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;from developing&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons.

But he said the issues are surmountable, although the 11-month-old talks "are at a very delicate stage."

"There is little time remaining given the&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;advancements that&nbsp;Tehran&nbsp;has made" toward developing&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;weapons that would undermine any agreement, he said.

The EU diplomat chairing the Vienna talks, Enrique Mora, told reporters last week that delegations were down to negotiating the footnotes of the text, but progress stalled when Moscow demanded guarantees that Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine would not affect its trade with&nbsp;Iran.

However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated Tuesday that Russia had received "written guarantees" from Washington.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tehran-warned-iraq-often-about-threats-posed-to-iran-foreign-ministry-462111">Tehran warned Iraq often about threats posed to Iran: Foreign ministry</a>

Relieved

That news was followed Wednesday by&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;releasing two British-Iranians, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori, taken as another sign of diplomatic thaw.&nbsp;

"I'm relieved that the problems were solved" allowing Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release, her husband Richard Ratcliffe told AFP at the family home. "The first thing she always wanted to do was me make her a cup of tea."

UK lawmaker Tulip Siddiq, who represents the north London district where Zaghari-Ratcliffe's family lives, tweeted a photo of her constituent smiling on board a plane.

"It's been 6 long years -- and I can't believe I can FINALLY share this photo," she wrote.

The increasingly positive signs have led some to hope the revival of the 2015&nbsp;deal&nbsp;may be just days away, with one diplomatic source saying the process was on "the right track".

However, the same source warned that "we have to be cautious".

With good reason: negotiations over&nbsp;Iran's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;programme have been littered with missed deadlines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-foiled-sabotage-by-an-israeli-recruited-network-at-a-nuclear-facility-462400">Iran says it foiled sabotage by an Israeli-recruited network at a nuclear facility</a>

The&nbsp;deal&nbsp;began to fall apart in 2018 when then-US president Donald Trump dramatically withdrew from it and went on to reimpose swinging economic sanctions on&nbsp;Iran.

That led&nbsp;Tehran&nbsp;to exceed the limits on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;activity laid down in the&nbsp;deal.

Iran&nbsp;said Wednesday there were two remaining sticking points in Vienna, including an "economic guarantee" in case a future US administration repeats Trump's abrogation.

Another source&nbsp;close&nbsp;to the talks said the other issue was the status of&nbsp;Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, which Washington has branded a terrorist organization.

Too big to fail

According to analyst Henry Rome from the Eurasia Group, these problems are "unlikely to prove insurmountable".&nbsp;

"Both the US and&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;want a&nbsp;deal, and the latter probably used some diplomatic capital to persuade Russia to back off its confrontational stance," Rome added.

"It is now clear that Russia's tactical gambit to leverage the&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal&nbsp;to punch a hole in western sanctions regime over the crisis in Ukraine&nbsp;did not work," said Ali Vaez from the International Crisis Group.

Too much energy and political capital have been expended, and the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;"is now too big to fail," Vaez said.

As ever with the talks, there is always a possibility of last-minute complications.

"There may yet be some theatrics, with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;trying to leverage high oil prices to win several additional concessions," said Rome.

In addition, on Wednesday the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency issued a report giving fresh details of advances in&nbsp;Iran's production of uranium metal, which could bedevil implementation of a&nbsp;deal.

Watch |&nbsp;West warns Russia over Iran Nuclear Deal

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&nbsp;

Washington said Wednesday it was "close" to a deal with Iran on reviving a 2015 pact that saw Western powers provide sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Tehran's nuclear programme, the latest sign of advancement following prolonged deadlock.

Washington said Wednesday it was "close" to a deal with Iran on reviving a 2015 pact that saw Western powers provide sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on Tehran's nuclear programme, the latest sign of advancement following prolonged deadlock. Days after Russian demands seemed to jeopardize talks in Vienna over restoring the pact, this week has seen multiple positive signals that an accord may at last be within reach, including the release of two British Iranians Wednesday after years of detention in Iran, and word that outstanding issues have narrowed to just two. The negotiations began last April between Britain, China, France, Germany, Iran and Russia, with the United States taking part indirectly. Also read | Iran talks of remaining 'two issues' to revive nuclear deal Now a successful resolution appears more viable than at any point in years. "We are close to a possible deal, but we're not there yet," said State Department spokesman Ned Price. "We do think the remaining issues can be bridged." Speaking to reporters, Price declined to confirm Tehran's claim that there were just a pair of final issues to be sorted out, down from four, before agreeing to restore the six-party Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. But he said the issues are surmountable, although the 11-month-old talks "are at a very delicate stage." "There is little time remaining given the nuclear advancements that Tehran has made" toward developing nuclear weapons that would undermine any agreement, he said. The EU diplomat chairing the Vienna talks, Enrique Mora, told reporters last week that delegations were down to negotiating the footnotes of the text, but progress stalled when Moscow demanded guarantees that Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine would not affect its trade with Iran. However, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated Tuesday that Russia had received "written guarantees" from Washington. Also read | Tehran warned Iraq often about threats posed to Iran: Foreign ministry Relieved That news was followed Wednesday by Iran releasing two British-Iranians, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori, taken as another sign of diplomatic thaw. "I'm relieved that the problems were solved" allowing Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release, her husband Richard Ratcliffe told AFP at the family home. "The first thing she always wanted to do was me make her a cup of tea." UK lawmaker Tulip Siddiq, who represents the north London district where Zaghari-Ratcliffe's family lives, tweeted a photo of her constituent smiling on board a plane. "It's been 6 long years -- and I can't believe I can FINALLY share this photo," she wrote. The increasingly positive signs have led some to hope the revival of the 2015 deal may be just days away, with one diplomatic source saying the process was on "the right track". However, the same source warned that "we have to be cautious". With good reason: negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme have been littered with missed deadlines. Also read | Iran says it foiled sabotage by an Israeli-recruited network at a nuclear facility The deal began to fall apart in 2018 when then-US president Donald Trump dramatically withdrew from it and went on to reimpose swinging economic sanctions on Iran. That led Tehran to exceed the limits on its nuclear activity laid down in the deal. Iran said Wednesday there were two remaining sticking points in Vienna, including an "economic guarantee" in case a future US administration repeats Trump's abrogation. Another source close to the talks said the other issue was the status of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards, which Washington has branded a terrorist organization. Too big to fail According to analyst Henry Rome from the Eurasia Group, these problems are "unlikely to prove insurmountable". "Both the US and Iran want a deal, and the latter probably used some diplomatic capital to persuade Russia to back off its confrontational stance," Rome added. "It is now clear that Russia's tactical gambit to leverage the Iran nuclear deal to punch a hole in western sanctions regime over the crisis in Ukraine did not work," said Ali Vaez from the International Crisis Group. Too much energy and political capital have been expended, and the deal "is now too big to fail," Vaez said. As ever with the talks, there is always a possibility of last-minute complications. "There may yet be some theatrics, with Iran trying to leverage high oil prices to win several additional concessions," said Rome. In addition, on Wednesday the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency issued a report giving fresh details of advances in Iran's production of uranium metal, which could bedevil implementation of a deal. Watch | West warns Russia over Iran Nuclear Deal

Iran nuclear deal 'close', Tehran frees captives as obstacles narrow

Iran's foreign minister on Wednesday said that agreement on two issues remained with the US in order to restore 2015 nuclear deal.

The nuclear deal was done between Iran and world powers in 2015 but Donald Trump-led USA withdrew from the deal in 2018.&nbsp;

Iran has been engaged in direct talks in Vienna to revive the accord, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China directly. The United States, which unliterally pulled out of the deal in 2018, is participating indirectly.

"We had four issues as our red lines," but "two issues have almost been resolved," Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was quoted as saying Wednesday by state news agency IRNA, adding that "two issues remain, including (an) economic guarantee".

He did not elaborate on the second issue.

"If the American side fulfils our two remaining demands today, we will be ready to go to Vienna tomorrow," he said.

More than 10 months of negotiations had brought the parties close to renewing the landmark accord.

But the talks were halted after Russia this month demanded guarantees that Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine would not damage its trade with Iran.

Amir-Abdollahian's remarks come a day after his visit to Moscow, where counterpart Sergei Lavrov said Russia had received the necessary guarantees from Washington on trade with Iran.

The 2015 agreement gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme to guarantee that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's foreign minister on Wednesday said that agreement on two issues remained with the US in order to restore 2015 nuclear deal. The nuclear deal was done between Iran and world powers in 2015 but Donald Trump-led USA withdrew from the deal in 2018.

Iran's foreign minister on Wednesday said that agreement on two issues remained with the US in order to restore 2015 nuclear deal. The nuclear deal was done between Iran and world powers in 2015 but Donald Trump-led USA withdrew from the deal in 2018. Iran has been engaged in direct talks in Vienna to revive the accord, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China directly. The United States, which unliterally pulled out of the deal in 2018, is participating indirectly. "We had four issues as our red lines," but "two issues have almost been resolved," Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was quoted as saying Wednesday by state news agency IRNA, adding that "two issues remain, including (an) economic guarantee". He did not elaborate on the second issue. "If the American side fulfils our two remaining demands today, we will be ready to go to Vienna tomorrow," he said. More than 10 months of negotiations had brought the parties close to renewing the landmark accord. But the talks were halted after Russia this month demanded guarantees that Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine would not damage its trade with Iran. Amir-Abdollahian's remarks come a day after his visit to Moscow, where counterpart Sergei Lavrov said Russia had received the necessary guarantees from Washington on trade with Iran. The 2015 agreement gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme to guarantee that Tehran could not develop a nuclear weapon -- something it has always denied wanting to do. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran talks of remaining 'two issues' to revive nuclear deal

The world's attention is rightly focused on the war in Ukraine, however there are a number of other conflicts still raging across the world. Tensions have been increasing in between Iran and Israel. Watch this report.

War between Wars: Tensions between Iran and Israel intensifies

According to Iranian state media report, Iranian authorities have thwarted a planned sabotage at the country's key nuclear enrichment plant.

Iran accuses Israel of planning sabotage on Fordow nuclear plant

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian will head to Moscow on Tuesday, the ministry said, days after negotiations on an&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;nuclear deal stalled amid new Russian demands.

"Russia has made its official demands loud and clear, and this needs to be discussed among all parties to the 2015 agreement, like all the demands that have been presented by other parties," foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters on Monday.

"The foreign ministers of the parties (to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal) are in constant contact", and Amir-Abdollahian "will go to Moscow on Tuesday to continue the discussions", Khatibzadeh added.

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More than 10 months of talks in Vienna have brought major powers close to renewing the landmark 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on regulating&nbsp;Iran's nuclear programme.

But the negotiations were halted after Russia on March 5 demanded guarantees that Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine would not damage its trade with&nbsp;Iran.

On March 11, the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted that the pause was "due to external factors," despite the fact that "a final text is essentially ready and on the table".

Iran&nbsp;waiting on Washington

The United States then put the ball in&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and Russia's courts after the EU announcement.

"We are confident that we can achieve mutual return to compliance... (if) those decisions are made in places like Tehran and Moscow," State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has dismissed as "irrelevant" the Russian demands for guarantees, saying that they "just are not in any way linked together".

But on Monday,&nbsp;Iran's foreign ministry spokesman repeated Tehran's position that the move had to come from the US.

"The remaining issues and points between us and the United States need political decisions in Washington", Khatibzadeh said.

"If they (the US) announce that they have made a decision, then all the delegations can return to Vienna" to finalise an agreement, he said.

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"We are not at the point of announcing the agreement," he added.

Russia and&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;have seen relations improve in recent years, and Moscow plays a central role in enforcing the 2015 pact, in particular by receiving excess enriched uranium from Tehran.

The JCPOA aimed to ensure&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;would not be able to develop a nuclear weapon, which it has always denied seeking.

On Saturday, Britain, France and Germany warned against moves to "exploit" the JCPOA, seen as a tacit warning to Russia.

"Nobody should seek to exploit JCPOA negotiations to obtain assurances that are separate to the JCPOA," the British, French and German foreign ministries -- the three European parties to the negotiations -- said in a statement.

"This risks the collapse of the deal, depriving the Iranian people of sanctions lifting and the international community of the assurance needed on&nbsp;Iran's nuclear programme," they added.

The current round of negotiations started in late November in the Austrian capital between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, with the US taking part indirectly.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;US makes 'new demands' in nuclear talks, accuses Iran of trying to complicate efforts | World News

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The 2105 deal gave&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

But the US unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump and imposed tough economic sanctions on different sectors, including oil exports.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian will head to Moscow on Tuesday, the ministry said, days after negotiations on an Iran nuclear deal stalled amid new Russian demands.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian will head to Moscow on Tuesday, the ministry said, days after negotiations on an Iran nuclear deal stalled amid new Russian demands. "Russia has made its official demands loud and clear, and this needs to be discussed among all parties to the 2015 agreement, like all the demands that have been presented by other parties," foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters on Monday. "The foreign ministers of the parties (to the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal) are in constant contact", and Amir-Abdollahian "will go to Moscow on Tuesday to continue the discussions", Khatibzadeh added. Also read | Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims responsibility for missile strike on Iraq's Kurdish capital More than 10 months of talks in Vienna have brought major powers close to renewing the landmark 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on regulating Iran's nuclear programme. But the negotiations were halted after Russia on March 5 demanded guarantees that Western sanctions imposed following its invasion of Ukraine would not damage its trade with Iran. On March 11, the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell tweeted that the pause was "due to external factors," despite the fact that "a final text is essentially ready and on the table". Iran waiting on Washington The United States then put the ball in Iran and Russia's courts after the EU announcement. "We are confident that we can achieve mutual return to compliance... (if) those decisions are made in places like Tehran and Moscow," State Department spokesman Ned Price said. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has dismissed as "irrelevant" the Russian demands for guarantees, saying that they "just are not in any way linked together". But on Monday, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman repeated Tehran's position that the move had to come from the US. "The remaining issues and points between us and the United States need political decisions in Washington", Khatibzadeh said. "If they (the US) announce that they have made a decision, then all the delegations can return to Vienna" to finalise an agreement, he said. Also read | Chernobyl Nuclear Plant restored: Ukraine tells IAEA "We are not at the point of announcing the agreement," he added. Russia and Iran have seen relations improve in recent years, and Moscow plays a central role in enforcing the 2015 pact, in particular by receiving excess enriched uranium from Tehran. The JCPOA aimed to ensure Iran would not be able to develop a nuclear weapon, which it has always denied seeking. On Saturday, Britain, France and Germany warned against moves to "exploit" the JCPOA, seen as a tacit warning to Russia. "Nobody should seek to exploit JCPOA negotiations to obtain assurances that are separate to the JCPOA," the British, French and German foreign ministries -- the three European parties to the negotiations -- said in a statement. "This risks the collapse of the deal, depriving the Iranian people of sanctions lifting and the international community of the assurance needed on Iran's nuclear programme," they added. The current round of negotiations started in late November in the Austrian capital between Iran and Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, with the US taking part indirectly. Watch | US makes 'new demands' in nuclear talks, accuses Iran of trying to complicate efforts | World News The 2105 deal gave Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme. But the US unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 under then-president Donald Trump and imposed tough economic sanctions on different sectors, including oil exports.

Iran's foreign minister to hold talks on nuclear deal in Moscow

The European Union has stalled the ongoing talks on the revival of the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal just days after confirming that the final draft of an agreement is almost ready.

Iran nuclear talks stalled: European Union foreign policy chief announces pause

The United States does not have the will to reach an agreement to revive a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran at talks in Vienna where it is insisting on "unacceptable proposals", Iran's top security official, Ali Shamkhani, said on Thursday.

The 2015 deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme was on the verge of being restored after 11 months of negotiations until Russia presented a new obstacle by demanding written guarantees from the United States that Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine would not affect its trade with Iran.

Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme Security Council, said on Twitter that in the absence of a political decision by the United States the talks "become more complicated every hour".

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US approach to Iran's principled demands, coupled with its unreasonable offers and unjustified pressure to hastily reach an agreement, show that US isn't interested in a strong deal that would satisfy both parties. Absent US political decision, the talks get knottier by the hour.
— علی شمخانی (@alishamkhani_ir) <a href="https://twitter.com/alishamkhani_ir/status/1501802748760760320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The United States “has no will to reach a strong agreement", he said adding that it was making “unacceptable proposals (and) insists on a quick agreement with false pretences”.

He did not elaborate on the US&nbsp;proposals.

US&nbsp;Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland on Tuesday accused Russia of seeking to reap extra benefits from its participation in the effort to restore the nuclear agreement.

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European negotiators from France, Britain, and Germany have temporarily left the talks as they believed they had gone as far as they could and it was now up to the United States and Iran to agree on outstanding issues.

Iran's chief negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani, returned to Tehran unexpectedly after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov outlined Moscow's new demands.

Watch |&nbsp;West warns Russia over Iran Nuclear Deal

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Iran's foreign minister said at the time that Tehran would not let its interests be harmed by "foreign elements". 
Bagheri Kani flew back to Vienna on Wednesday.

The United States does not have the will to reach an agreement to revive a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran at talks in Vienna where it is insisting on "unacceptable proposals", Iran's top security official, Ali Shamkhani, said on Thursday.

The United States does not have the will to reach an agreement to revive a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran at talks in Vienna where it is insisting on "unacceptable proposals", Iran's top security official, Ali Shamkhani, said on Thursday. The 2015 deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme was on the verge of being restored after 11 months of negotiations until Russia presented a new obstacle by demanding written guarantees from the United States that Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine would not affect its trade with Iran. Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme Security Council, said on Twitter that in the absence of a political decision by the United States the talks "become more complicated every hour". US approach to Iran's principled demands, coupled with its unreasonable offers and unjustified pressure to hastily reach an agreement, show that US isn't interested in a strong deal that would satisfy both parties. Absent US political decision, the talks get knottier by the hour. — علی شمخانی (@alishamkhani_ir) March 10, 2022 × Also read | Prisoners who could be freed alongside Iran nuclear deal The United States “has no will to reach a strong agreement", he said adding that it was making “unacceptable proposals (and) insists on a quick agreement with false pretences”. He did not elaborate on the US proposals. US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland on Tuesday accused Russia of seeking to reap extra benefits from its participation in the effort to restore the nuclear agreement. Also read | To remove obstacle for reviving nuke deal, Iran, IAEA agree on 3-month timeline European negotiators from France, Britain, and Germany have temporarily left the talks as they believed they had gone as far as they could and it was now up to the United States and Iran to agree on outstanding issues. Iran's chief negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani, returned to Tehran unexpectedly after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov outlined Moscow's new demands. Watch | West warns Russia over Iran Nuclear Deal Iran's foreign minister said at the time that Tehran would not let its interests be harmed by "foreign elements". Bagheri Kani flew back to Vienna on Wednesday.

Iran says lack of US decision on nuclear deal makes talks 'more complicated every hour'

For 11 months now leaders have been scrambling to revive the 2015 nuclear deal but after Vladimir Putin decided to invade Ukraine, talks in Vienna are now under threat.

West warns Russia over Iran Nuclear Deal

Will Russia's invasion of Ukraine damage Iran Nuclear deal talks? IAEA presented queries to Tehran as the Nuclear agency chief reaches Iran.

IAEA presents queries to Tehran as Nuclear agency chief reaches Iran

A&nbsp;deal&nbsp;on reviving the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers on&nbsp;Iran's&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;programme is "close", Britain said on Friday, at a crunch point for negotiations in Vienna.

"We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play," British diplomat Stephanie Al-Qaq said on Twitter, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany.

Along with counterparts from China,&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and Russia they have been taking part in the latest round of talks in the Austrian capital since late November.

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The US has been participating indirectly.

Also on Friday,&nbsp;Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he was prepared to travel to Vienna if a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;is reached to revive the accord.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer told reporters that "we have received very positive signals that (Russian) Foreign Minister (Sergei) Lavrov will take part" in an expected meeting of foreign ministers in the event of an agreement being reached.

The 2015&nbsp;deal&nbsp;began unravelling when former US president Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, prompting&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;to start disregarding the limits on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;activity laid down in the agreement.

A deal on reviving the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers on Iran's nuclear programme is "close", Britain said on Friday, at a crunch point for negotiations in Vienna.

A deal on reviving the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers on Iran's nuclear programme is "close", Britain said on Friday, at a crunch point for negotiations in Vienna. "We are close. E3 negotiators leaving Vienna briefly to update ministers on state of play," British diplomat Stephanie Al-Qaq said on Twitter, referring to negotiators from Britain, France and Germany. Along with counterparts from China, Iran and Russia they have been taking part in the latest round of talks in the Austrian capital since late November. Also read | German Chancellor Scholz urges Putin to end hostilities in Ukraine The US has been participating indirectly. Also on Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he was prepared to travel to Vienna if a deal is reached to revive the accord. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer told reporters that "we have received very positive signals that (Russian) Foreign Minister (Sergei) Lavrov will take part" in an expected meeting of foreign ministers in the event of an agreement being reached. The 2015 deal began unravelling when former US president Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, prompting Iran to start disregarding the limits on its nuclear activity laid down in the agreement.

UK says Iran nuclear deal 'close', European diplomats to consult with ministers

Iran said on Monday that Western countries were yet to make 'political decisions' to conclude talks to restore 2015 nuclear deal. Iran's chief negotiator has returned to Vienna for talks. All sides engaged in talks in Vienna have indicated progress in negotiations, but countries are also saying that they are at a critical stage.

Iran has repeatedly emphasised the need for the West to make certain "decisions".

"Unfortunately, Western sides and the US haven't still made their political decisions on several remaining issues," Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said at his weekly press conference.

These issues are "in the fields of removal of sanctions, guarantees and some political claims about Iran's peaceful nuclear programme", he said.

Parties to the 2015 deal saw it as the best way to stop the Islamic republic from building a nuclear bomb -– a goal Tehran has always denied.

Iran has also restricted some inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN's nuclear watchdog. The IAEA wants Iran to resolve questions surrounding the previous presence of nuclear material at undeclared sites but Iran is asking for this issue to be "closed."

Khatibzadeh said that, unless this dispute is settled, "we can't think of the possibility of an agreement about the return of the US to JCPOA."

He confirmed that Iran's chief negotiator Ali Bagheri returned to Vienna on Monday. Bagheri had gone home last Wednesday for consultations, during which talks continued at the level of experts in Vienna.

The negotiations to revive the deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, involve Iran as well as France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China directly, and the United States indirectly.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran said on Monday that Western countries were yet to make 'political decisions' to conclude talks to restore 2015 nuclear deal. Iran's chief negotiator has returned to Vienna for talks.

Iran said on Monday that Western countries were yet to make 'political decisions' to conclude talks to restore 2015 nuclear deal. Iran's chief negotiator has returned to Vienna for talks. All sides engaged in talks in Vienna have indicated progress in negotiations, but countries are also saying that they are at a critical stage. Iran has repeatedly emphasised the need for the West to make certain "decisions". "Unfortunately, Western sides and the US haven't still made their political decisions on several remaining issues," Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said at his weekly press conference. These issues are "in the fields of removal of sanctions, guarantees and some political claims about Iran's peaceful nuclear programme", he said. Parties to the 2015 deal saw it as the best way to stop the Islamic republic from building a nuclear bomb -– a goal Tehran has always denied. Iran has also restricted some inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN's nuclear watchdog. The IAEA wants Iran to resolve questions surrounding the previous presence of nuclear material at undeclared sites but Iran is asking for this issue to be "closed." Khatibzadeh said that, unless this dispute is settled, "we can't think of the possibility of an agreement about the return of the US to JCPOA." He confirmed that Iran's chief negotiator Ali Bagheri returned to Vienna on Monday. Bagheri had gone home last Wednesday for consultations, during which talks continued at the level of experts in Vienna. The negotiations to revive the deal, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, involve Iran as well as France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China directly, and the United States indirectly. (With inputs from agencies)

Nuclear deal talks: Iran says West still not making 'political decisions'

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that the US-Iranian deal that is taking shape is now weaker than the original agreement that was signed way back in the year 2015. Naftali Bennett has also underlined his concerns that this potential deal that could be struck between Iran and six world powers led by the United States could actually make Middle East a lot more volatile.

Israel PM Naftali Bennett slams emerging Nuclear Deal

Iran's top negotiator says that a nuclear deal is 'closer than ever'. But Tehran is holding out until the US Congress releases a political statement backing the agreement. Will Republicans sink Joe Biden's west Asian project? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Iran nuclear deal 'closer than ever'

The US has said that it is willing to ease sanctions if Iran is willing to act and a deal is possible within days. France also said that only days are left to agree on a possible Iran nuclear deal.

France: Only days left to agree on possible Iran Nuclear deal

Negotiators engaged in talks in Vienna are days away from a final decision on salvaging the Iran nuclear pact. Both the United States and Iran have indicated that they are closer than ever to an agreement.

Nuclear deal negotiators days away from a final decision

The negotiators engaged in the talks in Vienna are just days away from a final decision on salvaging the Iranian nuclear deal. The United States and Iran have indicated that they are closer than ever on reaching an agreement.

Nuclear deal negotiations just days away from a final decision

After months of off and on negotiations, Iran on Monday said an agreement to revive a 2015 nuclear deal with the world powers was near. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell added to hopes of a renewed deal saying that he believed an agreement was in sight.

Iran Nuclear Talks: 'Deal in sight,' says EU foreign policy chief

Germany's Foreign Minister meets with Israel's Prime Minister Naftali Bennett amid the ongoing Vienna talks to salvage Iran's Nuclear Deal.

German FM meets Israel's Prime Minister as 9th round of Nuclear deal negotiations underway in Vienna

As the Biden administration tries to rescue the 2015 Iran Nuclear deal, Tehran on Monday said that it's high time for the United States to take political decisions in resolving the remaining key issues which includes number one lifting sanctions and talks aimed at reviving Iran's nuclear deal, listen in.

Iran nuclear talks: 'US must announce decisions on removing sanctions,' states Iran

Iran, where despite a pretty painful start weeks ago, the ongoing Iran nuclear talk seemed to have entered what is being described now as a positive phase and this has come as the European Union has now acknowledged the fact that a renewed deal is still a very real possibility.

US & Iran inch closer to a renewed nuclear deal

As the revival of the nuclear deal between Iran and the west show no signs of progress, Israel has continued to put out its hardline position on the matter.

Israel talks tough in Iran nuclear deal talks

The eighth round of negotiations to try and salvage the Iranian Nuclear deal has begun in Vienna. The negotiators are trying their best to save the landmark deal.

Eighth round of Iran Nuclear deal negotiations kicks off in Vienna

US negotiator Rob Malley said Tuesday that there may only be "some weeks" left to revive the nuclear deal with Iran if the country continues its nuclear activities at its current pace.

Speaking during an interview with CNN, Malley warned of a "period of escalating crisis" if diplomacy failed to restore the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers.

After a five-month hiatus, negotiations restarted in November, to try to restore the deal with Iran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-left-the-deal-iran-says-us-should-take-first-step-in-revival-of-2015-nuclear-deal-434455">They 'left the deal': Iran says US should 'take first step' in revival of 2015 nuclear deal</a>

The United States had withdrawn from this agreement under former president Donald Trump in 2018. Now, the US is an indirect party to the talks.

While the Iran talks have been suspended, Malley said that he hopes the indirect talks will resume "relatively soon."

Recently, Washington has also warned that it may soon be too late to revive the agreement.

"It really depends on the pace of their nuclear process," said Malley, the US special envoy for Iran. "If they halt the nuclear advances, we have more time."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-iran-developed-its-nuclear-programme-with-american-help-435608">How Iran developed its nuclear programme with American help</a>

"If they continue at their current pace, we have some weeks left but not much more than that, at which point the conclusion will be there's no deal to be revived," he said.

"At some point in a not-so-distant future we will have to conclude the JCPOA is no more and we would have to negotiate a wholly different deal and we would go through a period of escalating crisis," he added.

The Iranian government claims it only wants to develop a civilian nuclear capability, but Western powers say its stockpile of uranium enriched goes far beyond that and could be used to develop a nuclear weapon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-must-begin-to-pay-a-price-for-its-violations-says-israels-pm-naftali-bennett-434330">Iran must begin to pay a price for its violations, says Israel's PM Naftali Bennett</a>

In a statement on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that no deadline would be set for the negotiations.

"I'm not going to put a time limit on it," Blinken told reporters, but the remaining runway for a deal is "getting very, very, very short."

"We continue to have a strong interest in seeing if we can put the nuclear program back into the box that it was in," he said. "But if we can't do that, because Iran will not engage in good faith, then we are actively looking at alternatives and options."

Watch |&nbsp;US NSA Jake Sullivan To Visit Israel, discuss Iran Nuclear Deal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-nsa-jake-sullivan-to-visit-israel-discuss-iran-nuclear-deal-438785/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As part of the 2015 agreement, Iran was given relief from sanctions in exchange for curbing its nuclear program, which was put under intense UN monitoring.

Afterwards, Trump reintroduced sanctions, leading Tehran to violate the nuclear deal's limits in 2019.

The negotiations have recently hit a snag over which sanctions Washington is willing to lift, and guarantees demanded by Iran to guard against a possible US withdrawal.

(With inputs from agencies)

US negotiator Rob Malley said Tuesday that there may only be "some weeks" left to revive the nuclear deal with Iran if the country continues its nuclear activities at its current pace.

US negotiator Rob Malley said Tuesday that there may only be "some weeks" left to revive the nuclear deal with Iran if the country continues its nuclear activities at its current pace. Speaking during an interview with CNN, Malley warned of a "period of escalating crisis" if diplomacy failed to restore the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers. After a five-month hiatus, negotiations restarted in November, to try to restore the deal with Iran. Also read | They 'left the deal': Iran says US should 'take first step' in revival of 2015 nuclear deal The United States had withdrawn from this agreement under former president Donald Trump in 2018. Now, the US is an indirect party to the talks. While the Iran talks have been suspended, Malley said that he hopes the indirect talks will resume "relatively soon." Recently, Washington has also warned that it may soon be too late to revive the agreement. "It really depends on the pace of their nuclear process," said Malley, the US special envoy for Iran. "If they halt the nuclear advances, we have more time." Also read | How Iran developed its nuclear programme with American help "If they continue at their current pace, we have some weeks left but not much more than that, at which point the conclusion will be there's no deal to be revived," he said. "At some point in a not-so-distant future we will have to conclude the JCPOA is no more and we would have to negotiate a wholly different deal and we would go through a period of escalating crisis," he added. The Iranian government claims it only wants to develop a civilian nuclear capability, but Western powers say its stockpile of uranium enriched goes far beyond that and could be used to develop a nuclear weapon. Also read | Iran must begin to pay a price for its violations, says Israel's PM Naftali Bennett In a statement on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that no deadline would be set for the negotiations. "I'm not going to put a time limit on it," Blinken told reporters, but the remaining runway for a deal is "getting very, very, very short." "We continue to have a strong interest in seeing if we can put the nuclear program back into the box that it was in," he said. "But if we can't do that, because Iran will not engage in good faith, then we are actively looking at alternatives and options." Watch | US NSA Jake Sullivan To Visit Israel, discuss Iran Nuclear Deal As part of the 2015 agreement, Iran was given relief from sanctions in exchange for curbing its nuclear program, which was put under intense UN monitoring. Afterwards, Trump reintroduced sanctions, leading Tehran to violate the nuclear deal's limits in 2019. The negotiations have recently hit a snag over which sanctions Washington is willing to lift, and guarantees demanded by Iran to guard against a possible US withdrawal. (With inputs from agencies)

US warns that only 'some weeks' left to revive Iran nuclear deal

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