GENEVA — Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator signaled progress at talks with six powers Thursday on a deal to cap some of his country’s atomic programs in exchange for limited relief from sanctions stifling Iran’s economy, saying the six had accepted Iran’s proposals on how to proceed.
Any such agreement would be only the start of a long process to reduce Iran’s potential nuclear threat with no guarantee of ultimate success.
Yet even a limited accord would mark a breakthrough after nearly a decade of mostly inconclusive talks focused on limiting, if not eliminating, Iranian atomic programs that could be turned from producing energy into making weapons.
Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Abbas Araghchi, told Iranian state TV that the six — the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany — “clearly said that they accept the proposed framework by Iran.” He later told CNN that he thinks negotiators at the table are now “ready to start drafting” an accord that outlines specific steps to be taken.
Though Araghchi described the negotiations as “very difficult,” he told Iranian state TV that he expected agreement on details by Friday, the last scheduled round of the current talks.
The upbeat comments suggested that negotiators in Geneva were moving from broad discussions over a nuclear deal to details meant to limit Iran’s ability to make atomic weapons. In return, Iran would start getting relief from sanctions that have hit its economy hard.
The talks are focused on the size and output of Iran’s enrichment program, which can create both reactor fuel and weapons-grade material suitable for a nuclear bomb. Iran insists it is pursuing only nuclear energy, medical treatments and research.
Also Thursday, officials said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will fly to Geneva on Friday to participate in the negotiations.
