08/11/2013 10:18
Iran says Geneva nuclear deal possible on Friday
The Iranian foreign minister has said he believes an agreement with world powers on Iran's nuclear programme is possible by the end of talks on Friday, the BBC reported.
Mohammad Zarif told CNN that Iran would not suspend uranium enrichment completely but could "deal with the various issues on the table."
The foreign powers did not comment on the progress of the talks in Geneva.
US Secretary of State John Kerry, currently on a tour of the Middle East, is due to attend discussions on Friday.
The BBC's Kim Ghattas, who is travelling with Mr Kerry, says his dramatic decision to change his travel plans and go to Geneva is a clear sign that a deal with Iran may be within reach.
On Thursday, the US confirmed some sanctions relief was being offered in return for "concrete, verifiable measures."
Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said a nuclear deal would be a "historic" mistake, accusing Iran of only offering fake concessions.
The five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany (P5+1) opened two days of talks with Iran on Thursday.
The West suspects Iran's uranium enrichment programme is a step towards building nuclear weapons.