Iran's FM optimistic about solution to nuclear issue: TV

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif on Saturday expressed optimism about a solution to his country's nuclear issue, the state IRIB TV reported.

"I seriously believe that a solution (to Iran's nuclear issue) is within reach," Zarif told IRIB in Geneva before flying back to Tehran on Saturday.

"We think political decision is the only way to this end," he said, adding that if the West is after a deal and negotiation with the Islamic republic, they should also make a political decision.

The minister emphasized the West has tried to pressure Iran but to no avail. "Talks and pressures cannot be collected," he said.

Over the past days, "serious, accurate and clear discussions" over the disputed nuclear topics were held and they will be continued in the following days, he said.

"We are seriously doing our job and believe that the solution is within reach," he reiterated.

On Thursday, the U.S. and Iranian negotiators began their three-day talks in Geneva on Tehran's nuclear program.

The bilateral engagements would be immediately followed by talks between Iran and the P5+1, including Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States, at the deputy foreign ministers level on Sunday.

Based on the interim Geneva deal or the so-called Joint Plan of Action which was sealed on Nov. 24, 2013, Tehran would suspend its nuclear program while the West would loosen economic sanctions. Endit