Lavrov: Achieving a Nuclear Agreement with Iran is Possible

Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, stated on Tuesday, December 25, that reaching an agreement between Iran and the P5+1 group by the end of June next year (July 10, 2015) is possible. In an interview with France 24, Lavrov added, "We want to be realistic and think that reaching an agreement is possible." He noted that the decision made in Vienna to extend the nuclear negotiations for seven months was to ensure that not only a political agreement could be reached but also that the parties could prepare the technical details of an agreement. Following the extension of negotiations until July 10, 2015, it was decided that another portion of Iran's frozen assets would be released during this period. Lavrov added that this seven-month period cannot be extended again. His remarks came as the second day of nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. was underway in Geneva, Switzerland. In this context, ISNA reported the possibility of a meeting between the deputies of the foreign ministers of Iran and France on Tuesday. Additionally, the deputies of the foreign ministers of Iran and the P5+1 group are scheduled to participate in a joint meeting in Geneva on Wednesday. The P5+1 group includes the U.S., Russia, the UK, France, China, and Germany. According to ISNA, this is the first time that talks between Iran and the P5+1 are being held at the deputy level without the presence of the heads of the negotiating delegations. Most reports indicated that the scope and dimensions of Iran's uranium enrichment program, how to continue the activities of the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities, and how to lift international sanctions against Iran are the main points of contention between the parties. Meanwhile, according to IRNA, Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, stated on Monday, December 24, that "Tehran negotiates with the world in a logical and calculated manner," adding, "One day all our negotiations will be broadcast, and the people and the world will see how hard and diligently the Iranian negotiators worked because these negotiations are very complex." He emphasized his "100 percent trust" in the Iranian negotiating team, stating, "They are experienced; the people should also have confidence, our path is correct, and we will continue this path, which will be better if it progresses sooner, but we must remain vigilant." Since the beginning of the nuclear negotiations under Rouhani's administration, hardline conservatives have severely criticized the performance of the negotiating team, including an event on July 23 where participants at a "Red Line" conference harshly attacked the Iranian nuclear negotiating team. Previously, on May 3, a similar conference titled "We Are Concerned" was held with the presence of several representatives from the Stability Front in Parliament.