Iran, Eu Make Progress in Atom Deal Implementation Talks

Iran and the European Union appeared to make progress in resolving outstanding differences on how to implement a landmark nuclear deal in talks in Geneva on Friday but the United States said discussions were not yet finalized, APA reports quoting Reuters.

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met a senior EU official in Geneva to iron out remaining practical details of the November 24 accord under which Iran agreed to curb its most sensitive nuclear work in return for some sanctions relief.

After the meeting, he told Reuters that the sides have found "solutions for every difference" but more consultations were needed before an agreement could be announced.

"Now we are taking the solutions ... home, all of us. Hopefully tomorrow we can either confirm or not, but hopefully confirm," he said.

The European Union liaises with Iran on behalf of six world powers - the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - in diplomatic efforts related to Tehran's atom work.

A spokesman for the EU said "very good" progress was made "on all the pertinent issues", but added that results of the talks still had to be validated by more senior officials.

In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told a news briefing that the technical talks were making good progress but reports that a deal had been finalized were inaccurate.

"There have been a few outstanding issues, but at...