The final round of negiotiations between Iran and the P5+1 - the US, UK, China, France, Russia and Germany - began on 4 July in Vienna, with negotiators seeking to reach a deal on the country’s nuclear activities by the 20 July deadline, as agreed in an interim agreement in January.

The January agreement saw Tehran cut back on elements of its nuclear programme, including suspending any new to uranium enrichment, in return for an easing of international economic sanctions.

The P5+1 nations agreed to suspend sanctions on gold and precious metals, and on the Islamic Republic’s automotive and petrochemicals exports. It left in place however though sanctions on Iran’s oil and banking sectors.

Building trust

Tehran insists that its nuclear programme is peaceful and only for power production. It wants an end to the sanctions that have left its economy in tatters. It is thought that in return, the country will accept a tougher inspection regime and a limit to its production of enriched uranium.

Since his landslide victory in presidential elections in June last year, President Hassan Rouhani has sought to ease tensions with the West but many western government accuse Tehran of secretly seeking to develop a nuclear weapons programme.

Slow progress

The negotiations stalled in May with both sides accusing each other of having unrealistic demands. Washington sent one of its top diplomats to Switzerland to rekindle the talks.

CNN reported last week that for a final deal to be struck, the P5+1 group expects further checks and limitations in place, which could include demands that Iran dismantle some nuclear facilities and shut down thousands of centrifuges. The group may also want some sanctions to remain in place.

And according to Iran’s state-run Press TV, Abbas Araqchi, who heads the country’s nuclear talks, said a deal could be agreed if Iran’s “nuclear rights are consolidated and respected”.