Russia Says Iran Nuclear Talks Have Entered Most Difficult Phase

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers have entered their most difficult phase.

Speaking on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Ufa, the capital of the Russian republic of Bashkortostan, Ryabkov said all countries in the P5+1 group are working on new proposals that have been submitted by Tehran.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on July 9 that there are no insurmountable obstacles in reaching a deal, but the key is the quality of an agreement -- not the timing.

Iran said on July 8 that it offered new solutions to resolve the nuclear talks, but Western officials suggest they’ve heard nothing new from Tehran.

President Barack Obama told U.S. lawmakers in a closed-door White House meeting on July 8 that there is, at best, a 50 percent chance of reaching an agreement before a July 10 deadline.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and Interfax