'Framework' for final deal reached at Iran nuclear talks

(Reuters) - Iran and world powers reached a framework on curbing Iran's nuclear program at marathon talks in Switzerland on Thursday that will allow further negotiations towards a final agreement.

A Western official said it would include limits on Iran's enrichment of uranium for 10 years.

Western and Iranian officials at the talks said they would conclude with a joint statement announcing that enough progress had been reached to allow further negotiations until a final deadline of June 30.

"Agreement on framework for final agreement reached. Press conference following," Germany's foreign ministry said on Twitter.

Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted: "Found solutions, ready to start drafting immediately".  President Hasan Rouhani made a similar announcement on Twitter and phoned Zarif and chief negotiator Ali Akbar Salehi to thank them for their work.

It was not clear how much of the framework's details would be officially announced. Its details are highly sensitive to both sides, especially Iran, which is worried about signing off on explicit targets to curb its nuclear program in the absence of a final settlement that would see economic sanctions lifted.

A Western official said the sides had agreed that the comprehensive settlement would requireIran to dilute or ship abroad most of its stocks of enriched uranium, and suspend two thirds of the 19,000 centrifuges it operates for enrichment. It will be monitored for 10 years.  Read More

'Framework' for final deal reached at Iran nuclear talks

Joint statement being finalised at Iran nuclear talks