US Official Says Iran Deal Hinges on Addressing Nuclear Issue

A US official said Monday that ongoing talks between the United States and Iran were positive, while stressing that any agreement would depend on addressing Iran’s nuclear issue.

The official’s assessment signaled a favorable view of the discussions so far, but stopped short of suggesting that a deal had been reached.

The nuclear issue remains a condition for an agreement, the official made clear. A positive atmosphere in the talks alone would not be enough to secure a deal.

The remarks did not specify what steps would be required to address the nuclear issue or provide a timetable for reaching an agreement.