[caption id="attachment_130604" align="alignright" width="189"] Former Iran nuclear negotiator, Seyed Hossein Mousavian[/caption]

Iran’s former nuclear negotiator says a nuclear deal between Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany) could pave the way for possible cooperation in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Anadolu Agency reported on Friday.

“The chance to reach a final nuclear deal is high. Since September 2013, the world powers and Iran have made unprecedented progress,” Seyed Hossein Mousavian said.

“A deal would decrease the tension between Tehran and Washington,” Mousavian added.

“In the absence of a nuclear deal, it would not be possible to have negotiations on broader issues. But a nuclear deal would pave the way for possible cooperation on broader issues like ISIS,” he stated.

He also stated, “They have reached to a common understanding on the principles of a comprehensive agreement.”

“However there are still some gaps and therefore no one can guarantee a final deal,” the former nuclear negotiator added.

When asked what would happen if the talks fail, Mousavian said, “I believe they would find a way to continue the talks until they strike a final deal.”

“It is extremely difficult for both parties to go backward,” he said.

By Tehran Times