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| Iran and world powers struggle on nuclear deal in Geneva | Iran and world powers struggle on nuclear deal in Geneva |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| World powers are struggling to reach an interim deal with Iran to limit its nuclear programme, as talks in Geneva move into a third day. | |
| Iran spoke of "serious issues" that must be resolved, while one Western diplomat cited "considerable gaps". | Iran spoke of "serious issues" that must be resolved, while one Western diplomat cited "considerable gaps". |
| The deal could see Iran curb uranium enrichment for some sanctions relief. | The deal could see Iran curb uranium enrichment for some sanctions relief. |
| However, US politicians have indicated they will push forward with a bill proposing more sanctions against Iran next month if the talks fail. | However, US politicians have indicated they will push forward with a bill proposing more sanctions against Iran next month if the talks fail. |
| US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he would support "broadening the scope" of current oil and trade sanctions. | US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he would support "broadening the scope" of current oil and trade sanctions. |
| Both Republican and Democrat congressmen say the threat of sanctions will bolster the negotiating position of the world powers. | Both Republican and Democrat congressmen say the threat of sanctions will bolster the negotiating position of the world powers. |
| President Barack Obama had earlier urged Congress not to promote the bill while talks were going on. | President Barack Obama had earlier urged Congress not to promote the bill while talks were going on. |
| Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but some world powers suspect it is seeking a nuclear weapons capability. | Iran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, but some world powers suspect it is seeking a nuclear weapons capability. |
| The Geneva talks, which are scheduled to conclude on Friday, involve Iran and representatives of the so-called P5+1 - the US, UK, France, China and Russia, plus Germany. | The Geneva talks, which are scheduled to conclude on Friday, involve Iran and representatives of the so-called P5+1 - the US, UK, France, China and Russia, plus Germany. |
| Reports suggest the talks could run into the weekend, and US Secretary of State John Kerry may join in later. | Reports suggest the talks could run into the weekend, and US Secretary of State John Kerry may join in later. |
| EU foreign policy chief Baroness Catherine Ashton is leading the talks for the world powers. | EU foreign policy chief Baroness Catherine Ashton is leading the talks for the world powers. |
| She has begun a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif. | She has begun a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif. |
| 'Very hard' | 'Very hard' |
| On Thursday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted by the Mehr news agency as saying the first day of talks had been "useful" but that "serious issues remain a source of difference". | On Thursday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted by the Mehr news agency as saying the first day of talks had been "useful" but that "serious issues remain a source of difference". |
| One senior Western diplomat told Reuters: "Considerable gaps remain, and we have to narrow the gaps. Some issues really need to be clarified. | One senior Western diplomat told Reuters: "Considerable gaps remain, and we have to narrow the gaps. Some issues really need to be clarified. |
| "I sensed a real commitment... from both sides. Will it happen? We will see. But, as always, the devil is in the details." | "I sensed a real commitment... from both sides. Will it happen? We will see. But, as always, the devil is in the details." |
| One US source said simply: "It is very hard." | One US source said simply: "It is very hard." |
| French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told France 2 television: "This deal will only be possible if it has a firm base." | French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius told France 2 television: "This deal will only be possible if it has a firm base." |
| However, one diplomat told Reuters there was still a "very high probability" that foreign ministers would join the talks at some point. | However, one diplomat told Reuters there was still a "very high probability" that foreign ministers would join the talks at some point. |
| The Geneva meeting follows a previous round of talks earlier this month. | The Geneva meeting follows a previous round of talks earlier this month. |
| The US has said any interim agreement would see the bulk of international and US sanctions targeting Iran's nuclear programme remain in place. | The US has said any interim agreement would see the bulk of international and US sanctions targeting Iran's nuclear programme remain in place. |
| Mr Obama said sanctions relief would be worth between $6bn and $7bn. | Mr Obama said sanctions relief would be worth between $6bn and $7bn. |
| The essence of the deal would involve Iran making no more advances in its nuclear programme and agreeing to "more vigorous inspections", he said. | The essence of the deal would involve Iran making no more advances in its nuclear programme and agreeing to "more vigorous inspections", he said. |
| Analysts say a major sticking point is Iran's insistence on its right to enrich uranium - a process that yields material used to manufacture fuel for power stations, but can also be used for weapons. | Analysts say a major sticking point is Iran's insistence on its right to enrich uranium - a process that yields material used to manufacture fuel for power stations, but can also be used for weapons. |
| Western diplomats are also concerned about a reactor Iran is building at Arak, which disrupted the first round of talks. | Western diplomats are also concerned about a reactor Iran is building at Arak, which disrupted the first round of talks. |
| Before the talks opened, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran would not step back "one iota" from its nuclear rights. | Before the talks opened, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei said Iran would not step back "one iota" from its nuclear rights. |
| He also referred to Israel as a "rabid dog". | He also referred to Israel as a "rabid dog". |
| Israel has vehemently opposed the proposed deal and says it will not be obliged to honour it. | Israel has vehemently opposed the proposed deal and says it will not be obliged to honour it. |
| Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is in Moscow, said the ayatollah's speech represented the "real Iran". | Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is in Moscow, said the ayatollah's speech represented the "real Iran". |
| "We are not confused. They must not have nuclear weapons. And I promise you that they will not have nuclear weapons," he said. | "We are not confused. They must not have nuclear weapons. And I promise you that they will not have nuclear weapons," he said. |