Russian, Iranian Officials Discuss Nuclear Talks

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has discussed ongoing Iran nuclear negotiations with officials in Tehran.

According to TASS, Ryabkov met January 12 with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Tehran's top nuclear negotiator, Abbas Araghchi.

According to AFP, Zarif said a more active Russian role could speed up negotiations to seal a comprehensive nuclear deal.

Ryabkov said good ties between Tehran and Moscow can still secure "a rapid settlement of nuclear relations relating to Iran."

Ryabkov's visit to the Iranian capital comes days ahead of a fresh round of negotiations between Iran and six world powers on settling their 12-year stand-off over Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

In 2013, the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, struck a preliminary agreement with Iran for the suspension of nuclear work in return for easing some economic sanctions.

Based on reporting by AFP, Interfax and TASS