Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Saturday a nuclear deal could be reached this month between Tehran and the major powers if there is the will in Washington and Tehran.
In Australia for a meeting of the G20 major and developing economies, Russia's chief nuclear negotiator told reporters Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) had never been so close to an agreement and it could be reached by the November 24 deadline.
"Therefore, from (November) 18 to 24 there is enough time for such decisions to be taken," Reuters quoted him as saying.
"But there is no guarantee that these decisions will be taken in those capitals where there are the biggest problems with current solutions, I mean, - Washington and Tehran."
Iran and the six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States – are negotiating in the hope of achieving a long-term settlement to the dispute over Tehran's nuclear work, which has dragged on for over a decade.
Useful Exchange
Reuters also reported on Friday that German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will discuss Iran's nuclear issue with Russian officials during his visit to Moscow on Tuesday.
Steinmeier's spokesman Martin Schaefer told a government news conference on Friday that in addition to the Ukraine crisis, the German top diplomat's talks in Moscow will also focus on efforts to secure a final deal on Tehran's nuclear program.
"We are pleased that in these talks there is a constructive, useful exchange with Russia. And we hope that this remains so until the end of the talks," said Schaefer.
He did not rule out pushing the deadline back again, but added, "At the end of the day all participants, first and foremost Tehran, need to explain why delaying the decisions that need to be reached in Tehran will increase the chances of getting a good negotiating result."
"It's clear that if we don't have a solution by November 24, the international pressure from many sides will increase again and it is questionable whether the chances of an agreement will improve."
In addition, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Thursday that Iran and the P5+1may not be able to reach a final nuclear deal before the November 24 deadline.
"It is not completely ruled out that more time could be needed to reach a mutually beneficial compromise," Lukashevich was quoted by Interfax news agency as telling reporters.
"We have emphasized that all parties are striving to meet this deadline. But what is more important, a deadline or a real agreement?"
