Western FMs To Join Nuclear Talks With Iran

Foreign ministers from western countries reportedly are planning to join talks in Vienna between Iran and world powers aimed at reaching a permanent nuclear accord with Tehran.

Those tentatively scheduled to fly in to Vienna beginning on July 12 reportedly include U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, as well as the foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Britain.

Diplomats say Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and a senior official from China’s foreign ministry also could join the talks.

But a Kremlin spokesman said in Moscow on July 10 that Lavrov’s attendance has not been confirmed.

Deep divisions persist at the Vienna talks.

The United States wants deep cuts in Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities, but Iranian negotiators are demanding that Tehran be allowed to expand enrichment activities.

A target date of July 20 has been set to resolve those differences.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP