All the participants in the Iranian nuclear talks are now committed to what looks likely to be an intense day of talks in Geneva. <br /><br />The six world powers engaging with Iran on its nuclear programme had said they would only come to Saturday’s talks if there was a deal to sign. <br /><br />British Foreign Secretary William Hague tweeted his imminent arrival, and his French counterpart Laurent Fabius and Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov were also early risers.<br /><br />All sides say they have made progress and appear closer to clinching a breakthrough in negotiations.<br /><br />If an agreement is reached it would mean a limitation on some of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear activity in exchange for a limited easing of sanctions.<br /><br />Diplomats in Geneva said a major sticking point may have been overcome. That is Iran’s so-called right to enrich uranium being internationally recognised. A compromise may open the way to the breakthrough they have been waiting for.<br /><br />There are other potential stumbling blocks, though: like the fate of Iran’s Arak heavy-water reactor project which is a potential source of alternative bomb material, plutonium, and the extent of sanctions relief.<br /><br />If an agreement is reached for a six-month suspension of some of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear activity, the leaders will use their time to hammer out a broader and longer-term<br />accord.
