25/11/2014 10:23
Iran nuclear talks: Optimism as deadline is extended
The US and Iran say they are confident of reaching a deal over Tehran's nuclear programme after agreeing a seven-month extension to talks, the BBC reported.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said a deal was close but US Secretary of State John Kerry warned that several points of disagreement remained.
Six world powers want Iran to curb its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of economic sanctions.
Tehran says it is not seeking nuclear weapons, but wants atomic energy.
The six countries - the US, UK, Russia, China, France and Germany - have been in negotiations with Iran to finalise a preliminary deal reached last year in Geneva.
They have now agreed to extend discussions, with the aim of reaching a high-level political agreement by 1 March, and confirming the full technical details of the agreement by 1 July.
Iran would be allowed to continue accessing $700m (£450m) a month in frozen assets during that period.