27/09/2013 18:43
UN hails 'very constructive' Iran nuclear talks
The UN nuclear agency says it has had "very constructive" talks with Iran, whose new president says he wants a deal over the country's nuclear programme within six months, the BBC reported.
Iran's envoy to the International Atomic Agency (IAEA) was quoted as saying that the aim was to reach an agreement "as soon as possible."
Diplomats earlier spoke of a "significant shift" in Iran's attitude.
The West suspects Iran of seeking to build nuclear arms, which Iran denies.
Herman Nackaerts, deputy director-general of the IAEA, did not give details of Friday's talks. He said the two parties would meet again on 28 October.
"We will start substantial discussions on the way forward to resolving all outstanding issues," Mr Nackaerts said.
There has been a flurry of meetings over Iran's nuclear programme this week in New York, where the UN General Assembly is holding its annual summit.
On Thursday, US Secretary of State John Kerry met his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif - the first such high-level meeting for six years.
Mr Kerry said he was struck by the "very different tone", but added that Iran still had questions to answer.
Substantive talks between Iran and the P5+1 - the US, Russia, Britain, France, China and Germany - are due to take place on 15 October.