Sanctions Relief Key Issue at Vienna Talks on Iran Nuclear Program

The issue of sanctions relief was a key issue at the Vienna talks of P5+1 and Iran on Tehran's nuclear program, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told journalists Friday.

MOSCOW, April 24 (Sputnik) — According to Ryabkov, no progress had been reached yet on weapons embargo due to disagreements between the sides.

"Talks were rather fruitful… Mainly we discussed the issue of sanctions. Our P5+1 colleagues held constructive discussions. But we have not yet agreed on the timing and volume of sanctions relief. We are working on it."

The P5+1 group and Tehran will continue discussions on the military component of Islamic Republic's nuclear program during upcoming rounds of talks, the Russian diplomat said.

The negotiators did not reach consensus on redesigning of the disputed Arak heavy water nuclear plant either, Ryabkov said.

The P5+1 group and Iran have discussed the issue of removing spent nuclear fuel to Russia during the latest round of talks, but the sides did not reach an agreement, Ryabkov said.

According to Russia's envoy to the talks, Moscow is ready to consider any option, but it is not clear yet what the Tehran would prefer.

"In essence, this is the main issue. I do not know what the Iranian choice would be," he said.