The Majlis speaker said a final deal can be reached between Iran and the major powers despite the remaining differences in the final stretch of negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program.
"I am aware of some challenges existing (in the talks). Nonetheless, I believe that, generally, (the two sides) are moving forward and they are able, under current conditions, to achieve results," Ali Larijani said.
"On the whole, I hold a positive view on negotiations and I think that the effort by the negotiating team is being made on a clear, defined, structured and well-thought-out path."
Iran and the P5+1 (the United States, Britain, Germany, France, Russia and China) are negotiating to finalize the nuclear accord, which would give Iran relief from international sanctions in exchange for temporary limits on its nuclear work.
Larijani voiced hope that the other side would act reasonably to make "correct" use of the remaining time, IRNA reported.
The deadline for the comprehensive accord was extended for the third time in two weeks through Monday.
"They should not think that the last days of talks is an opportunity to make new demands and maximize pressure," the senior lawmaker said, noting that such strategy is only applicable to "simple" negotiations and does not work when it comes to such "complex and long-term" talks.
***Real Decisions
US Secretary of State John Kerry shared Larijani's optimism, saying on Sunday he is hopeful the powers and Iran could conclude the deal, but there are still some "tough" issues, Reuters reported.
"I think we're getting to some real decisions," Kerry told reporters. "So I will say, because we have a few tough things to do, I remain hopeful. Hopeful."
Adding to hopes, a senior Iranian official said on Sunday the final agreement is within reach, adding that some issues have yet to be addressed by foreign ministers.
"The deal is within reach today ... but some issues remain that need to be resolved by foreign ministers," the official said.
Several diplomats close to the talks said the deal could come soon. In a sign that something might be in the works, both Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi were expected to join the talks.
Elsewhere, President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday if nuclear talks succeeded, the world would see that Tehran had solved its biggest political problem by negotiation and logical argument.
"Even if the nuclear talks fail, our diplomacy showed the world that we are logical. We never left the negotiation table and always provided the best answer," he said in a meeting with artists.
"Twenty-two months of negotiation means we have managed to charm the world, and it's an art."
In an interview with state TV on Saturday, Secretary of the Expediency Council Mohsen Rezaei said the United States is left with no option but to reach the deal.
"The Americans lack the power to take military action against Iran and cannot toughen sanctions either. So they have resorted to negotiations to strike a deal."
