23 Dec 2024
Tuesday 31 March 2015 - 01:37
Story Code : 157736

Irans hardliners warn Zarif not to go soft in nuclear talks

(Bloomberg) -- Iranian hardliners warned their top diplomats against making concessions that contravene red lines set down by the countrys highest authority, as talks on the Islamic Republics nuclear program neared their deadline.

The agreement under discussion contravenes key points outlined by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hossein Shariatmadari, the editor-in-chief of Kayhan newspaper, told Fars news agency.

It would keep some sanctions in place, including those imposed by the United Nations Security Council, he said. The accord would also require Iran to make irrevocable commitments while the other sides steps can be reversed, said Shariatmadari, whos appointed by Khamenei. He said his information about the talks came from a reliable source.

The talks in Lausanne, Switzerland aim to reach an outline accord by March 31, leaving three more months for a detailed agreement. Issues still to be resolved include the pace of sanctions relief and the fate of Irans stockpiles of nuclear materials, according to diplomats.

Shariatmadari has been a vocal critic of Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, Irans lead negotiator. In January he criticized Zarif for taking a 15 minute stroll in Geneva with his American counterpart, John Kerry, because Irans official and rational view is to see the U.S. as a blood-spilling enemy and a looter.

By Bloomberg
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