Obama urges Iran to grab 'historic chance' for n-deal

Washington, March 20: US President Barack Obama called on Iranian leaders not to miss a “historic opportunity” to reach a reasoble nuclear deal, saying such a moment “may not come again soon”. In a video message to mark Nowruz (Persian New Year), Obama on Thursday said this is “the best opportunity in decades to pursue a different future between our countries,” referring to the ongoing talks being held in Switzerland to clinch a deal on Iran’s nuclear programme, Xinhua reported. Obama said “gaps remain”, despite the progress made in the negotiations between Iran and six major countries, or P5+1, which includes the US, Britain, Chi, France, Russia and Germany. “The days and weeks ahead would be critical. Our negotiations have made progress, but gaps remain. And there are people, in both our countries and beyond, who oppose a diplomatic resolution,” he said.

Obama added that Iran and the US both kept their commitments to an interim deal reached a year ago, under which Iran halted progress on its nuclear programme in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions imposed by the US-led West.

“This is what’s at stake today. And this moment may not come again soon.  (ians)