Talks between Iran and the world’s great powers on the future of Tehran’s nuclear programme have gone into an extra day in Geneva, with the arrival of America’s John Kerry, and the Chinese and British foreign ministers joining their French, Russian, and German colleagues.
Talk is of an imminent breakthrough. Indeed, the 5 plus 1 negotiators dealing with Iran said they would only go to Geneva on Saturday if a deal was ready to sign. An announcement is expected before the end of the day.
The early talks on Saturday were between the EU’s foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and France’s Laurent Fabius as final details were nailed down before everyone could sit around the table.
The world is watching. Much depends on the outcome of these talks, which could have profound implications for Iran, its region, and indeed the entire world.
The press has gathered in Geneva in strength for this critical weekend although it has to be said that even if Saturday is crowned with success, it is only the beginning of the beginning of Iran’s return to the international fold.
“The presence of the 5+1 foreign ministers in Geneva has raised hopes that the four-day intense negotiations would finally lead to an agreement. It should be said though that any agreement at this point will serve as a basis for further negotiations”, says euronews’ Fariba Mavadat in Geneva.