Nuke deal likely if US shows goodwill, says Iran

TEHRAN: Iran’s top diplomat said on Tuesday he believed a new nuclear deal could be agreed with the United States provided Washington shows sufficient goodwill ahead of talks on Saturday.

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Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s principal demand remained the lifting of sweeping US sanctions.

US President Donald Trump said the talks would be “direct,” but Araghchi insisted his negotiations with indirect intermediary Steve Wettstoff at Saturday would be “indirect.”

“We will not accept any other form of negotiation,” Araghchi told official media.

“The format of the negotiations is not the most important thing in my view. What really counts is the effectiveness or otherwise of the talks.

“If the other side shows enough of the necessary willingness, a deal can be found. The ball is in America’s court.”