Russia: Chance For Iran Nuclear Deal 'Not Small'

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov (file photo)

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says there is a sizable chance for global powers to reach a deal with Iran on its nuclear program despite "deep gaps" and what he called the "negative attitude" of some participants in talks.

Ryabkov spoke on November 12 in Oman, where officials have met in recent days to try to remove obstacles to concluding a deal by a self-imposed November 24 deadline.

Ryabkov, the Russian negotiator in talks between Iran and Russia, China, the United States, Britain, France, and Germany, did not say which parties had a negative attitude.

He said the main obstacle was "the inability of all parties to build bridges over the still deep gaps on issues like enrichment and sanctions."

But he said, "We have a chance [to reach an agreement], and it's not small."

Based on reporting by Reuters and Interfax