Nuclear deal quite possible, no need to extend talks: Iranian FM

Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif gestures during an open debate at the 51st Munich Security Conference at the 'Bayerischer Hof' hotel in Munich Feb 8, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

MUNICH - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Sunday that it is quite possible to reach a deal over Iran's nuclear issue and there is no need to further extend the nuclear talks between his country and the so-called P5+1 group.

Zarif made the remarks at a debate session of the ongoing 51st Munich Security Conference.

The minister said Iran wants to show the world that its nuclear plan is exclusively peaceful, and stressed that negotiations and respect are the only path toward a deal over the issue.

Sanctions imposed on Iran, he said, also have impact on other countries and will not help solve the problems.

Following "serious discussion" with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry early Sunday morning, Zarif said he would also meet with foreign ministers of Germany and France to discuss the issue of Iran's nuclear program.

Iran and the P5+1 group, which comprises Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States plus Germany, agreed in November 2014 to extend the deadline of the nuclear talks for another seven months.

Zarif expressed optimism about the outcome of the talks, saying he believes it is quite possible to reach a deal within the negotiated timetable and an extension of the talks is not needed.

He also said that Iran is willing to engage with its friends and neighbors to seek a final agreement over the nuclear issue of his country. "We need to seize this opportunity. It may not be repeated," he added.