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Iran, six world powers close in on nuclear accord

Details expected today in atomic program cap for a decrease in sanctions

The Columbian
Published: November 7, 2013, 4:00pm

GENEVA — Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator signaled progress at talks with six powers Thursday on a deal to cap some of his country’s atomic programs in exchange for limited relief from sanctions stifling Iran’s economy, saying the six had accepted Tehran’s proposals on how to proceed.

U.S. officials said Secretary of State John Kerry will fly today to Geneva to participate in the nuclear negotiations, a decision that suggests a deal could be imminent.

Any such agreement would only be the beginning of a long process to reduce Iran’s potential nuclear threat. Yet even a limited accord would mark a breakthrough after nearly a decade of mostly inconclusive talks focused on limiting, if not eliminating, Iranian atomic programs that could be turned from producing energy into making weapons.

Tehran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Abbas Araghchi, told Iranian state TV that the six — the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany — “clearly said that they accept the proposed framework by Iran.” He later told CNN that he thinks negotiators at the table are now `’ready to start drafting” an accord that outlines steps to be taken.

Though Araghchi described the negotiations as “very difficult,” he told Iranian state TV that he expected agreement on details today, the last scheduled day of this round of talks.

The upbeat comments suggested that negotiators in Geneva were moving from broad discussions over a nuclear deal to details meant to limit Tehran’s ability to make atomic weapons. In return, Iran would start getting relief from sanctions that have hit its economy hard.

The U.S. officials said Kerry will go to the Geneva talks after a brief stop in Israel.

The talks are primarily focused on the size and output of Iran’s enrichment program, which can create both reactor fuel and weapons-grade material suitable for a nuclear bomb. Iran insists it is pursuing only nuclear energy, medical treatments and research.

International negotiators representing the six powers declined to comment on Araghchi’s statement. But White House spokesman Jay Carney elaborated on what the U.S. calls a “first step” of a strategy meant to contain Iran’s ability to use its program to make weapons.

A pact would “address Iran’s most advanced nuclear activities; increase transparency so Iran will not be able to use the cover of talks to advance its program; and create time and space as we negotiate a comprehensive agreement,” he said.

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