Setbacks for Iran nuclear talks

An ambitious round of nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers has ended with serious setbacks, with a senior Iranian official saying the two sides are at odds on several key issues.

Both sides were supposed to start drafting a final agreement that the six hope will constrain Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran in turn is seeking a full lifting of sanctions.

But Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian media that differences were too big to start the drafting process.

He gave no immediate details beyond saying that both sides were apart on several issues.