Kerry still 
hopeful of Iran deal 
despite 
US ‘veto’

Iran itself has dismissed pressure from Congress over the deal, saying it is dealing with world powers, not American politicians.

Mr Kerry joined his counterparts from the G7 at a meeting in northern Germany on the gathering’s second day, flying in overnight after discussing Iran in Washington.

“Yesterday there was a compromise reached in Washington regarding congressional input,” he told reporters in Lubeck. “We are confident about our ability for the president to negotiate an agreement, and to do so with the ability to make the world safer.”

Mr Kerry said the challenge of finishing the negotiations with Iran over the next two-and-a-half months would loom large over the G7 meeting.

Its host, German foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, said ministers would discuss the deal between the US administration and Congress, which he said would have “a certain influence” on whether a deal with Iran can be achieved by a June 30 deadline.

Mr Steinmeier said other topics would include conflicts in the Middle East, prospects for peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, efforts to combat the “Islamic State” group, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the 
impact of climate change on political stability in Africa and Asia and the ongoing fighting in Ukraine.

“The weather in international politics is quite stormy,” he said. “The conflict in eastern Ukraine is only two hours away from here.”

Although Russia was ejected from what was then the G8 last year over its support for armed separatists in eastern Ukraine, Mr Steinmeier praised Moscow for what he called its “constructive attitude” in not blocking a UN Security Council resolution imposing an arms embargo on Houthi rebel leaders in Yemen.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said in the northern city of Rasht that Iran was pursuing a “dignified” agreement with the six-member group – the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany.

Tehran and world powers reached a framework agreement earlier this month to curb Iran’s nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions. The deal is to be finalised by June 30.

The disputes between the Obama administration and Congress were an “internal issue”, Mr Rouhani said.

“Our partner is not the US Congress or the Senate, our partner is a group called ‘5 plus 1,’” he said, referring to the six world powers that are negotiating with Iran.

“We are looking for reciprocal ... good will and respect,” he said.

President Rouhani reiterated his stance expressed last week that Tehran will not sign on to any final deal with the six powers unless all economic sanctions are completely lifted.

“If there is no end to sanctions, there will be no deal,” said Mr Rouhani.