Skip to main content

Are the Iran Nuclear Talks Finally Headed in the Right Direction?

Six world powers emerged from the first talks with Iran in over a year on a positive note. Officials agreed to hold another meeting in Baghdad May 23, where they hope to devise a concrete plan to address Iran's advancing nuclear program. Iran also held bilateral meetings with Russia, China and the EU's Foreign Policy Chief, but declined to meet one-on-one with American diplomats.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (R) welcomes Iran's chief negotiator Saeed Jalili (2nd R) before their meeting in Istanbul April 14, 2012. World powers and Iran launched a new round of negotiations in Istanbul on Saturday, aiming to resolve a long-standing dispute over Tehran's nuclear programme that threatens to spark a new war in the Middle East. REUTERS/Hakan Goktepe/Pool (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS)

ISTANBUL—Six world powers emerged from the first nuclear talks with Iran in over a year on a positive note Saturday.

“The discussion on the Iranian nuclear issue has been constructive and useful,” said European Union Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton, the lead negotiator. “We want now to move to a sustained process of serious dialogue, where we can take urgent, practical steps to build confidence.”

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.