Irans Government has made another public push for a nuclear deal with the 5+1 Powers, with both President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif issuing high-profile statements on Sunday.
Rouhanis office put out Tweets of the Presidents engagement with China, one of the 5+1:
Rouhani restated, A final nuclear deal is well within reach should counterparts display sufficient political will. He also praised Iranian-Chinese relations which would help establish and maintain stability and peace in Asia, especially in the Middle East, countering terrorism and violence.
Iran and the 5+1 (US, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China) face a July 1 deadline for a comprehensive settlement, after two deadlines were missed last year. Both sides have said there will be no further extension if an agreement is not reached.
Despite intensive talks in the last month, the two sides appear to be no closer on resolution of issues such as Irans centrifuges for uranium enrichment, the lifting of US-led sanctions, and the duration of an agreement.
Last week, the Supreme Leader called for an agreement, with compromises on both sides, but said it must be a one-stage, final resolution. The US Government had indicated that it would seek agreement on General Principles by the end of March, with the comprehensive deal following by July 1.
Speaking after a meeting with Norwegian diplomat Wegger Christian Strmmen, Zarif declared, Europe can assume a major role in this process and substantially contribute to the clinching of a comprehensive agreement and the lifting of sanctions.
Iran wants US and European sanctions on Tehrans oil and banking sectors must be lifted within six months of a deal. Washington has reportedly said that the process will take years.