The second day of nuclear negotiations between Iran and 5+1 kicked off today in Vienna.
In this round of talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and US Sectary of State John Kerry will resume drafting a text on a possible deal over Tehran’s nuclear program.
In their first meeting in Vienna on Saturday, the two diplomats were accompanied by their respective negotiating team as well as deputy EU foreign policy adviser Helga Schmid.
Zarif also held a bilateral meeting with his French counterpart Laurent Fabius on Saturday.
It is predicted that with the presence of British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Vienna, bilateral and multilateral ministerial meeting will be held today between Iran and the 5+1 group of countries.
EU Foreign Policy Chief Federica Mogherini has also just arrived at Palais Coburg to hold a meeting with Foreign Minister Zarif.
French FM Fabius said on Saturday that the six countries and Iran need to fulfill three conditions to hammer out a deal. The conditions included striking a robust accord that recognizes Iran's right to a civilian nuclear program, but which guarantees that Tehran does not seek "nuclear weapons;" a solid verification of sites including military bases if necessary; and an automatic return of sanctions in case of violations of the engagements made under an accord.
The comments by Fabius come despite the fact that Iranian officials have already clarified that nuclear-related research activities will continue regardless of a potential final deal with the 5+1. Iranian officials have also stressed they will not agree to any inspections of military sites as part of such a deal.
Furthermore, Tehran has emphasized that all nuclear-related sanctions have to be terminated as the Islamic Republic begins to implement its side of the bargain.
The two sides have to reach a final nuclear agreement until June 30.