Zarif Says good steps taken in nuclear talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said good steps taken and more to come in nuclear talks

Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has said nuclear talks with world powers had been conducted in a good atmosphere so far and that "good steps" had already been taken.

US and Iranian diplomats began a two-day meeting in Geneva on Monday to pave the way for resuming broader negotiations involving Iran and the so-called P5+1 countries. The talks are set to last for up to seven months.

"Good steps have been taken and more will be taken. I think the world needs this settlement, in light of challenges facing us, like the threat of terrorism. It is in everyone's interest," Zarif told Iranian state television.

The foreign secretary sought to reverse the long-held doubts among Iran's regional rivals, particularly the Gulf Arab states.

"I wish our other neighbours would follow Turkey's example and help in finding a solution to the nuclear issue. Our nuclear programme is to no one's detriment, they shouldn't be worried...Turkey has all along supported our right to peaceful nuclear activities."

World powers consisting of China, the US, Russia, France, Germany and the UK resumed talks with Iran, in a bid to ensure that its nuclear programme would never develop weapons.

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