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

Adealon reviving the 2015 accord between Tehran and world powers onIran'snuclearprogramme 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,Iranand 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,Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said he was prepared to travel to Vienna if adealis 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 2015dealbegan unravelling when former US president Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, promptingIranto start disregarding the limits on itsnuclearactivity laid down in the agreement.