Six world powers and Iran launch the decisive phase of diplomacy over Tehran's nuclear work during three-day talks starting in Vienna on Wednesday, with the aim of resolving their decade-old dispute by July 20 despite skepticism a deal is possible, according to the Associated Press.
In the next two months, the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany want Iran to agree to dramatically cut back its nuclear work, which they fear has the aim of producing weapons, while Iran wants them to eliminate devastating economic sanctions, the AP reported.
Broadly, the six powers want to ensure the Iranian programme is curtailed enough so that it would take Iran a long time to assemble nuclear bomb components if it chose to do so, according to the AP. The Islamic Republic denies having such intentions.
Iran's top leader said Tuesday his nation will not bow to the West's pressure in nuclear talks with world powers that convene this evening in Vienna, the AP reported.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, urged his countrymen to boost economic, scientific and military capabilities through increased efforts at home, saying the country will follow the "correct" path in negotiations, according to the AP.
"Powers should know that Iranian nation will not bow," under pressures, state television quoted Khamenei as saying, the AP reported.
On Sunday, Iran's moderate President said his country would not surrender what it considers its right to nuclear development, but that it would be "transparent" in negotiations over the contested program, according to the AP.
Other diplomats from the six powers warned that progress, if any, in the coming talks will be slow, and any agreement may come at the last minute, the AP reported.
