Initial steps to an agreement between Iran and the six world powers were confirmed by Abbas Aragachi, the Deputy for Legal and International Affairs for Iran, the Associated Press reported
In exchange for Iran to stop the production of a substance which can be used to produce atomic weapons, and turn some of them over, the six powers agreed to remove some sanctions that have been hurting the Iranian economy, according to the AP.
Araghchi released comments to Iranian state TV networks where he said negotiators from the Unites States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany will soon reach an official agreement, the AP reported.
"Today, they clearly said that they accept the proposed framework by Iran," Araghchi said, adding though negotiations were "very difficult" he expected an agreement by the end of the week, according to the AP.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a deal "that eases pressure on Iran for concessions that are not concessions at all," adding it "would allow Iran to retain the capabilities to make nuclear weapons," the AP reported.
"Israel understands that there are proposals on the table in Geneva today that ease the pressure on Iran for concessions that are not concessions at all," Netanyahu said, according to the AP. "The proposal would allow Iran to retain the capabilities to make nuclear weapons. Israel totally opposes these proposals."
According to the Prime Minister, Israel will only accept a plan which includes shutting down all Iran nuclear programs before any sanction is given, the AP reported.
The negotiations began with Western negotiators asking Iran to stop producing Uranium for fear of the country using them to arm warheads, though Tehran said it needs to produce the substance for peaceful purposes, the AP reported.
Though the official proposal was not spoken about by Araghchi, it may involve Iran's production of uranium, which is just a few steps short of atomic-weapon grade material, according to the AP. Iranian officials seem to be ready to negotiate demands for production stop and of turning its stockpile of uranium into a form which cannot be used for nuclear arms.
