Iran Foreign Minister 'Hopeful' As U.S. Official Says Nuclear Deal 'Possible'

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has said he is hopeful that a deal can be worked out over Iran's controversial nuclear program when Iran and six world powers hold talks in Geneva next week.

But Zarif said in Tehran that Iranian officials will demand that Iran's "nuclear rights" are recognized.

In Washington, an unnamed senior U.S. official said it's "quite possible" a deal could be reached.

He warned, however, that there are still "tough issues to negotiate."

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton will meet Zarif in Geneva on November 20.

Senior officials from China, Russia, the United States, Germany, France, and Britain will join in two-days of scheduled talks on November 21.

Iran and the world powers failed to reach an agreement last weekend, despite reports that progress was made in reaching a deal.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters