Iran resolved to clinch nuclear deal, but not ‘at any price’

TEHRAN,July 10(MNA) – An Iranian Foreign Ministry official said that Iran is determined to reach a final nuclear deal with the major powers, but not “at any price”. Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) started a new round of talks in Vienna on July 2 in pursuit of a comprehensive deal to resolve the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear program, which has dragged on for over a decade. The talks are expected to continue at least until July 15. “We are determined to reach an agreement, but not ‘at any price.’ And we are ready to continue the talks so that the work can be done seriously and professionally,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham told reporters during a regular press briefing on Wednesday. “The talks have made progress. But the progress has been slow. And we are hopeful that the other side will make wise decisions through adopting a realistic approach toward Iran’s peaceful nuclear program,” she stated. She also said that there are significant differences between Iran and the major powers, adding that intense, difficult, and serious talks are underway. In addition, she said that Iranian negotiators are hopeful that an agreement can be reached and they will make every effort to secure a nuclear deal. “We also ask the other side to use the remaining time,” she said. Iran and the major powers have set a July 20 deadline to clinch a long-term comprehensive nuclear deal. The deadline can be extended by another half year if both sides agree. Muslim countries should support Palestinians Elsewhere in his remarks, Afkham pointed to the recent Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and said that Muslim and Arab countries should support Palestinians in their campaign against the Zionist regime. She also urged Muslim countries to take immediate measures in response to the Zionist regime’s inhumane and criminal actions. In addition, she said that Western countries should take action to prevent the continuation of Israeli attacks on Palestinians. Iran urges Afghans to exercise restraint On the dispute over the preliminary results of last month’s run-off presidential election in Afghanistan which was announced on Monday, Afkham said that Iran invites all sides in Afghanistan to show restraint. “Afghanistan needs calm and stability. And all legal ways and mechanisms should be used in order to find a solution. That is why it is necessary for the sides to show restraint.” Afghanistan’s Independent Election Commission on Monday announced that Ashraf Ghani won the June 14 second round with 56.44 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results. The tally might change when the final official numbers come out on July 22. Afghan presidential contender Abdullah Abdullah’s camp rejected the preliminary results, saying the result was invalid as it did not throw out all the fraudulent votes, according to Reuters.