Nuclear talks between Iran and world powers have entered a decisive phase, with a marathon final round of tough negotiations beginning ahead of a deadline later this month.
Negotiators from Iran and the P5+1 group of countries -- the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany -- began talks in Vienna on July 3 with the aim of securing a comprehensive nuclear deal by July 20.
The P5+1 group wants Iran to reduce its nuclear program in order to ease fears that Tehran might develop atomic weapons.
Iran, which is subject to UN and Western sanctions, says its nuclear activities are peaceful.
Ahead of the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif urged the group not to stick to unreasonable and unacceptable demands.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the P5+1 group has proposed a "series of reasonable, verifiable and easily achievable measures that would ensure Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.”
Based on reporting by dpa and AFP
