A day after saying that nuclear talks with the 5+1 Powers were difficult but advancing, Iran has given the gloomier message of no tangible progress.
Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi (pictured) said the fourth round of discussions on a comprehensive nuclear deal, held in Vienna from Wednesday to Friday, had failed to begin writing the draft text.
Araqchi, who led Irans negotiators, said, We will have one or two more rounds of talks in June. Talks will continue.
The Deputy Foreign Minister eased some of the downbeat tone about wide differences by saying, The trend of the talks is good and constructive.
However, another official on the Iranian team chided:
The West must put aside excessive demands and have an accurate assessment of the realities on the ground .
Considering the recent developments, it seemed that the West has achieved a degree of realism, but apparently this is not the case.
The Iranian officials gave no specific details of the points of contention.
Key issues at the talks included the development and installation of Irans centrifuges for uranium enrichment, the status of Tehrans nuclear facilities, possible military dimensions of an Iranian nuclear program, and the lifting of sanctions on the Islamic Republic.
The two sides are seeking a comprehensive deal before July 20, when an interim Joint Plan of Agreement expires.
FM Zarif on Twitter: We Are Determined for Success in Nuclear Talks
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to the inconclusive end of the fourth round of nuclear talks on a comprehensive agreement, via Twitter: