BICOM

The US State Department yesterday confirmed that Washington has no intention of extending talks between the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear development beyond an agreed 30 June deadline.

Iran and the P5+1 agreed a framework to a comprehensive nuclear deal last month, paving the way for negotiations to begin towards a long-term accord. However, both sides have since indicated differences over fundamental issues such as Iran’s use of advanced centrifuges, the pace of sanctions relief and provision for international inspections. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei last week indicated that Tehran would not permit any inspections whatsoever. Iran has a long history of concealing its nuclear programme on a large scale.

Earlier this week, Gerard Araud, the French ambassador to the United States said it is “very likely” that talks will extend beyond 30 June, a view shared by his German counterpart. Iran’s senior nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi was quoted yesterday on Iranian state television to similar effect. However, US State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke ruled out such a scenario, saying yesterday “We’re not contemplating any extension beyond June 30.” It was also confirmed that US Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Geneva on Saturday to meet Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Zarif.

Also yesterday, US Undersecretary of State Wendy Sherman, who has spearheaded Washington’s nuclear negotiating team for the last two years announced that she would step down after the 30 June deadline. She told the New York Times, “It’s been two long years,” calling the Iran nuclear talks “incredibly complex.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Moshe Ya’alon yesterday underscored Iran’s destabilising role in the region. He warned that since 2003, Iran has ensured that Iraq remains unstable. Ya’alon told a security conference, “a strong Iraq runs counter to its [Iran’s] own interests. From its perspective Iraq needs to be weak, bleeding.” He also termed Iran the “centre of gravity” for regional terror.