Iran sees atomic deal with EU

SwissInfo:

Iran is optimistic it can reach a deal on its disputed atomic programme with three European states, avoiding the U.N. Security Council where it cannot count on strong support. ...

Senior nuclear negotiator Hossein Mousavian was quoted on state television on Saturday as saying the European stance was encouraging.

"The three EU countries appeared more serious in this round of negotiations compared with before and progress is being made," he said of talks that took place in Geneva this week.

"If the Europeans continue this seriously in the next two rounds, talks will continue and there is a possibility of an agreement after three months," he was quoted as saying. ...

Iran is adamant it will never permanently end fuel production and is seeking to solve the nuclear impasse by promising stronger guarantees that it will never seek arms. ...

Hassan Rohani, Secretary General of the Supreme National Security Council, said that if the talks with the EU trio failed, the issue would be transferred to the U.N. Security Council, which has the power to impose sanctions.

"But if Iran's case is referred to the council, the probability of those countries using their veto right is very low," he was quoted as saying in the Hamshahri daily.

His remarks contrasted with those of other Iranian officials who have said Tehran, which has cultivated ties with permanent members Russia and China, need not fear referral to the council. ...