Enrichment, Sanctions Key Differences between Iran, Powers

(FNA)- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister and senior negotiator Seyed Abbas Araqchi announced that major differences have still remained between Tehran and the world powers, including the details of Iran's enrichment program and mechanisms for removal of the sanctions.

"The issue of enrichment and its limits, extent and capacity, as well as the mechanisms needed for the removal of sanctions are two key issues," Araqchi said in an interview with the state-run TV on Monday night.

"In addition, there are also several other issues that might not be among the key issues, but are sufficiently important and if they are not resolved, we will not reach any agreement," he added.

Noting that the negotiations are now being held in a more rational atmosphere, Araqchi said, "The result of the negotiations will be something which would meet our redlines and safeguard whatever we have, enrichment will continue and certainly all sanctions will be annulled in the form and sequence (that they have been imposed)."

His remarks came after Iran and the six world powers ended six days of negotiations on Monday and decided to meet again in the next 7 months after missing the November 24 deadline to clinch a final deal to resolve their 12-year standoff over Tehran's nuclear program.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and EU coordinator Catherine Ashton announced last night that the talks had been extended until July 10, and the world powers had taken up to release $700 million of Iran's frozen assets on a monthly basis.

The 10th and last round of negotiations between Iran and the six world powers was held in Vienna from November 18 to 24.

In July, Tehran and the six countries agreed to extend negotiations until November 24 after they failed to reach an agreement on a number of key issues.