Talks on Iran nuclear activities end in Vienna without deal

Islam Mohamed

The fourth round of negotiations between Iran and western powers came to an end on May 19 in Vienna, without a deal between Tehran and Washington, despite efforts made by the group of 4 + 1 which brings Russia, China, France, Germany and the UK together.

Iran hammered out a deal with the International Atomic Energy Agency for monitoring activities inside Iran’s nuclear facilities for an additional three months that started in February.

Following these three months, Iran will be able to remove contents recorded by CCTV cameras monitoring these activities, according to the deal.

Agency inspectors will also be denied freedom of movement inside Iran after the end of the duration of the deal.

The fourth round of talks between Iran and western powers lasted for two weeks. They focused on pending issues between Tehran and Washington.

Deputy Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the delegations participating in the talks would return to their countries with the aim of conducting consultations with their governments.

The same delegations would return to the talks for a new round after this, he said.

Araghchi said some progress was made in the talks during the fourth round.

Some issues, however, he added, need some study.

The Russian representative in the talks also referred to some progress, but he described this progress as “slight”.

Nevertheless, he added, there was not a breakthrough.

This is why we need some additional time to study some files, the Russian representative said.