Iran After 'Good Deal' Despite Challenges In N-talks

Tehran, Sept 23, IRNA - Iran is after a ‘good deal’ or, in other words, tossing the nuclear case out peacefully, despite the challenges it is facing in the ongoing nuclear talks with the P5+1 in New York, wrote 'Iran Daily' in its Opinion column, published Tuesday. Iran-P5+1 nuclear talks, as predicted by experts, have reached the critical point of decision-making. The process of talks was protracted due to the concerns of the other sides. In the past year, Iran took practical measures to ease those concerns as well as those of the International Atomic Energy Agency, noted the English-language paper. Iran has repeatedly declared that it is determined to seal a deal over it nuclear energy program and that the issue can only be resolved at the negotiating table. The P5+1 also said it seeks constrictive and fruitful negotiations. The group tried to remain committed to the terms of the Geneva deal and lifted, eased or suspended parts of sanctions targeting Iran’s economy and released some of the frozen assets of the Central Bank of Iran. All these steps indicate that the six powers are resolute to settle the decade-long dispute. The nuclear talks, however, encountered some undue difficulties with the other side seeking to raise unrelated issues such as Iran’s missile program which was strongly opposed by Iran. The most important issue both sides are now trying to figure out is the level and size of uranium enrichment by Iran and the number of centrifuges. Unfortunately these matters are translated as P5+1’s excessive demands by some political factions at home. Everyone, the West in particular, knows the degree to which the government of President Hassan Rouhani is resolute to resolve the nuclear issue. The West is now well aware that the Iranian government, despite domestic pressure from certain groups, has taken a route that could transform the political future of the Middle East and even beyond. A new obstacle the nuclear talks have come across recently is an alleged change in Russia’s attitude. Iranian negotiators should make it public if Russians’ behavior has changed, underscored the paper./end