Iran is set to meet with the six world powers sometime in February to further discuss Tehran's nuclear programs right after the six month deal prohibiting atomic work goes into effect on Jan. 20, Reuters reported.
Iran's nuclear program has led to mistrust and tensions in the Middle East and the talks set for February would work on finding an agreement over the nuclear dispute, according to Reuters.
Europe's Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton will lead the upcoming talks, Reuters reported. Ashton's goal is to find a middle ground where Iran can continue their nuclear work while assuring Western officials there is no risk of military use.
The first meeting will include the six powers: United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany, as well as Ashton and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, according to a diplomat who spoke on conditions of anonymity, Reuters reported.
"It won't happen in January, because of the Chinese New Year, but it is very, very, very likely in February," the diplomat said, according to Reuters.
According to Iranian officials, the nuclear program's sole purpose is find way of generating electricity and other civilian purposes, Reuters reported. In the past, Iran has hid sensitive nuclear activity from United Nation inspectors, raising concerns about their transparency.
If the six-month agreement of halting nuclear programs in Iran is passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency, heavy sanctions placed on Iran by the United States and Europe would be lifted, according to Reuters.
Before the February meeting takes place, senior diplomats from the six world powers and Iran will meet to prepare an agenda, Reuters reported.
