US still 'hopeful' for Iran nuclear deal in Geneva
As Iranian negotiators say mild progress was achieved, White House remain hopeful for agreement. While Russia's FM is in Geneva, US top diplomat possibly plans joining talks as well
"We hope that an agreement can be reached," said White House spokesperson Jay Carney. "The Iranians decided they were not able come to an agreement in the previous round, but we remain hopeful that we can reach an agreement with all of our P-5 plus one allies and the Iranians in Geneva."
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Carney's comments came amid upbeat reports from Geneva, where Iranian negotiators said progress was being made in the talks, now in their third day.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State John Kerry is tentatively planning to join the nuclear talks in Switzerland between Iran and six world powers, though he has not confirmed his plans and could still pull out, Western diplomats said on Friday.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, diplomats close to the talks said foreign ministers from the six powers would come to Geneva if negotiators were close to reaching an interim deal to curb Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for limited relief from international sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy.
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov flew to Geneva in a fresh push to clinch a deal.
"Last night we were a long way from foreign ministers coming. Today it has got closer," Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said, according to the ISNA news agency.
AFP and Reuters contributed to this report
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