AFP: Iran is “far short” of what is required to achieve a breakthrough in talks with world powers over its disputed nuclear programme, Britain said after negotiations ended without resolution Saturday.
LONDON (AFP) — Iran is “far short” of what is required to achieve a breakthrough in talks with world powers over its disputed nuclear programme, Britain said after negotiations ended without resolution Saturday.
Britain was among the six world powers involved in two days of diplomacy in Kazakhstan’s biggest city Almaty.
“The UK went to Kazakhstan ready with our partners to negotiate in good faith with Iran,” Foreign Secretary William Hague said in a statement.
“Lengthy discussions took place on some issues, but a wide gap remains between the parties. Iran’s current position falls far short of what is needed to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough.
“We look to Iran to consider carefully whether it wants to continue on its current course, and face increasing pressure and isolation from the international community, or to enter into meaningful negotiations.”
No new date was agreed for the resumption of talks searching for an elusive breakthrough after more than a decade of tensions.
Iran denies it is developing the atomic bomb and argues that it requires a nuclear programme solely for peaceful medical and energy needs.