Kerry: Significant Gaps Remain in Nuclear Talks

John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, emphasized on Saturday in Egypt that despite progress in nuclear negotiations with Iran, there are still "significant gaps" that need to be addressed. According to AFP, Mr. Kerry stated on Saturday, March 14, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, that the goal of the nuclear negotiations is not to reach any agreement, but to reach a correct agreement. The U.S. Secretary of State warned about the approaching deadline for the nuclear talks with Iran, adding that "the remaining time plays a vital role." The Obama administration is under intense pressure from the Israeli government and the majority of the U.S. Congress to ensure that the nuclear agreement with Iran leads to the complete shutdown of the controversial aspects of the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. Meanwhile, a senior European diplomat has also told the media that even if the world powers and Iran can reach a framework for the nuclear agreement by the end of this month, further discussions are needed to reach a comprehensive and final agreement on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program before the deadline of July 1. Reuters reported on Friday, March 13, that representatives from Iran, the U.S., Russia, China, France, the UK, and Germany will meet next week in Lausanne, Switzerland, to discuss how to monitor the most sensitive nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic for at least 10 years, in exchange for the "gradual lifting" of sanctions against Iran. A senior European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated to media representatives that it is difficult to predict whether next week's talks will make progress towards achieving a framework agreement. This senior diplomat added: "We have really made progress, especially in recent weeks, but there are still many difficult issues remaining." He explained that a political agreement would contain "a key understanding of where we stand on major issues such as the extent of the uranium enrichment program." This senior European diplomat emphasized: "To be frank, I still do not know if they [Iran] can take the final steps." The emphasis of this diplomat knowledgeable about the nuclear negotiations on a two-stage agreement with Iran comes as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic has called for an agreement on "details and generalities in one stage." Following these remarks, the Iranian nuclear negotiating team also stressed the importance of a one-stage agreement. The Islamic Republic, meanwhile, states that it is now the turn of the world powers, especially the U.S., to demonstrate their will to reach a final agreement with Iran on the nuclear issue. The U.S. has previously emphasized that it is prepared to leave the nuclear negotiations with Iran if such an agreement is not reached. In this context, the U.S. stated that the final agreement with Iran must naturally be approved by the Security Council.