Rouhani: progress in negotiations is basis for deal on Iranian nuclear program

Recent progress in the negotiations with the group of six international powers may be the basis for a final deal on Iran's nuclear program, Iranian president Hassan Rouhani said today.

"During the negotiations, there was a commonality of views in some areas where our views diverged earlier, it can serve as a basis for a final agreement," Rouhani is quoted by RIA Novosti with reference to Reuters.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that "good progress" has been made during the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Iran and the "Six" mediators (the five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany) must sign a political agreement by March 24 to resolve the Iranian nuclear program, while a comprehensive agreement should be reached before the end of June.

Earlier, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the next round of negotiations, between the "Six" and Iran on the nuclear program will begin on March 25 in Lausanne. At the same time, the Russian Foreign Ministry informed today that the negotiations between the "Six" and Tehran will begin on March 26.

"The parties continued the search for compromises on the unresolved issues. It was agreed that the next round of talks will begin on March 26," a statement posted on the ministry's website reads.