US and France Reaffirm Commitment to Iran Nuclear Settlement

White House stated that Obama and Hollande discussed by phone their mutual goal of reaching a long-term agreement to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US President Barack Obama and French President Francois Hollande discussed by phone their mutual goal of reaching a long-term agreement to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions, according to a White House press release.

“The Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a long-term comprehensive deal that fully and verifiably addresses the international community’s concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, while noting that Iran must take steps to resolve several remaining issues,” the release, issued on Friday, said.

n Friday, Iranian nuclear negotiator Abbas Araghchi told RIA Novosti that the next round of negotiations between the P5+1 group of countries with Iran over the country’s nuclear program will take place in Lausanne, Switzerland on March 25.

Tehran and the P5+1 group of countries have been trying to negotiate since November 2013 a long-term agreement guaranteeing the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program.

The final deal should be reached by July, 2015, while a flexible deadline of March 24 has been set for a political framework agreement.

The United States, the European Union and a number of other countries have accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian program. However, Iran has repeatedly rejected the claims, saying its nuclear program exclusively serves civilian purposes.