Iran Says Nuclear Talks To Resume April 21

Iran says it and six world powers will resume talks aimed at reaching a final agreement to curb Tehran's controversial nuclear program on April 21.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in Madrid on April 14 that Iranian and EU officials along with representatives from France, Britain, Germany, China, Russia, and the United States will begin "drafting the text" of a permanent agreement.

Zarif did not say where the talks will be held.

Iran and the six world powers agreed in Lausanne, Switzerland, on April 2 on a framework for a final agreement that would limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.

A final deal must be agreed to by June 30.

Zarif said he thinks "we are close to a deal" but added that the "United States and some of our friends in Europe" must change their position on how to remove sanctions.

Zarif added that Iran will take "irreversible steps" if the other countries do the same.

Based on reporting by AFP and ISNA