Iran official hopeful new nuclear talks can begin

VIENNA (Reuters) - The head of Iran's atomic energy organization said on Thursday he was hopeful negotiations could start based on proposals made by Iran and the six powers at recent talks in Geneva. "Both sides have received the messages of the other side and are carefully studying the concerns and expectations of both sides," Gholamreza Aghazadeh, who is also Iran's vice president, said. "I am very hopeful that the negotiations will be started in a framework of both sides being fully committed to the expectations that are already there," he added. Aghazadeh told reporters in Vienna that talks between Iran and the six powers -- the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany -- would also help resolve a range of issues from the Middle East tensions to rising oil prices. "If the negotiation starts many important... [read full story]