Iran's Foreign Minister says U.S. 'wishes unlikely to come true'

PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran's Foreign Minister said Washington's "wishes are unlikely to come true" at upcoming talks between the Islamic Republic and world powers over its nuclear program, the Associated Press reports.

Mohammad Javad Zarif said at a news conference Wednesday, Feb 5, in Tehran that the U.S. wanted Iran to give up major parts of its program, but "those wishes are unlikely to come true and that's why they are negotiating with the Islamic Republic of Iran to achieve a solution based on realities."

Iran stopped enrichment of uranium to 20 percent and started neutralizing its stockpile on Jan 20 in order to fulfill commitments reached under an interim deal in Geneva on Nov 24. Negotiations over a final comprehensive deal are to start Feb 18.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has been criticized by hard-liners who say he made too many concessions in return for too little.