A comprehensive nuclear deal between Iran and six major powers is “within reach” but the two sides are still “very far” apart on some issues, Iran’s deputy foreign minister said Thursday. Iran and the six powers—the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, Russia and China—are seeking to seal a comprehensive nuclear deal by July 20. An agreement would seek to address international concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for eventually lifting tight sanctions on Tehran. Speaking at the European Council on Foreign Relations event in Rome, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister and pointman in the nuclear talks said “negotiations are now in a very critical stage.” “There are still gaps. We need hard work, wisdom and creativity to bridge the gaps,” he said. “A deal is within reach.” If Iran and the six-power group fail to reach a deal by July 20, they could agree to extend the […]