No Trust In Nuclear Talks, Says Senior Iranian Nuclear Negotiator

Iranian nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi

A senior Iranian official involved in nuclear negotiations with six world powers says there is no trust between the two sides.

Speaking on June 6 at the end of the latest round of nuclear talks in Vienna with the P5+1 nations, consisting of the United States, China, Russia, France, Britain, and Germany, Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said: "Our basis is mistrust and this is the reality."

Araghchi, a senior figure in the nuclear talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive nuclear deal, added that so-called "snapback" provisions would be as relevant to Iran as to the United States if measures are reneged on.

"Thus all the provisions in a deal... whenever each party feels the other side is violating the commitments, they can snap back and implement whatever existed before the agreement,” he said.

Araghchi also said that work on the text of a final nuclear agreement – due by June 30β€”is advancing slowly.

The 5+1 nations want limits on Tehran's programs that could have a military use in exchange for sanctions relief. Tehran denies it is pursuing nuclear weapons.

Based on reporting by IRNA, AFP, FARS