Secretary Kerry and foreign ministers from France, Germany and Britain arrived in Geneva, saying they hope to narrow the gap with Iran.
But the secretary of state notably sought to lower expectations after a flurry of reports yesterday that a short-term deal was imminent.
The reported deal would suspend and in some cases reverse Iranian nuclear activity for perhaps six months. In return, the Islamic republic would receive moderate sanctions relief. In particular, Iran wants oil and banking penalties eased.
But Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu bluntly dismissed the potential deal today. He and Kerry had a reportedly tense meeting in Tel Aviv before the secretary flew to Geneva. Shortly after that session, Netanyahu derisively labeled the reports from Geneva as the deal of the century for Iran.
Russia and China are also involved in the talks, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Geneva late today.
And this evening, the White House said that President Obama had called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and told him the U.S. remains committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Note EU-Digest: It seems amazing that the US, the EU, China and Russia in reaching a deal with Iran could have this deal derailed by Benjamin Netanyahu who is acting like a spoiled kid.
Read more: No agreement reached over Iran nuclear program as negotiations continue | PBS NewsHour | Nov. 8, 2013 | PBS
But the secretary of state notably sought to lower expectations after a flurry of reports yesterday that a short-term deal was imminent.
The reported deal would suspend and in some cases reverse Iranian nuclear activity for perhaps six months. In return, the Islamic republic would receive moderate sanctions relief. In particular, Iran wants oil and banking penalties eased.
But Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu bluntly dismissed the potential deal today. He and Kerry had a reportedly tense meeting in Tel Aviv before the secretary flew to Geneva. Shortly after that session, Netanyahu derisively labeled the reports from Geneva as the deal of the century for Iran.
Russia and China are also involved in the talks, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Geneva late today.
And this evening, the White House said that President Obama had called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and told him the U.S. remains committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Note EU-Digest: It seems amazing that the US, the EU, China and Russia in reaching a deal with Iran could have this deal derailed by Benjamin Netanyahu who is acting like a spoiled kid.
Read more: No agreement reached over Iran nuclear program as negotiations continue | PBS NewsHour | Nov. 8, 2013 | PBS
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