US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed hope that major world powers would clinch a deal with Iran in the coming days on Tehran's disputed nuclear program.
Speaking on the eve of fresh talks with Iran in Lausanne, Switzerland, Kerry appeared more upbeat about the possibility of a framework agreement by a deadline at the end of the month. A final accord would then be negotiated by June 30.
"My hope is that in the next days that will be possible," he added during the interview recorded in Egypt on the eve of a new round of talks in Switzerland.
The interview, excerpts of which were provided by the network, was due to air in full today on CBS' "Face the Nation" program.
Kerry, speaking during a three-day international investor conference in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh, said that if Iran's nuclear program is indeed "peaceful," as Tehran claims, "let's get it done." "We believe very much that there’s not anything that’s going to change in April or May or June that suggests that at that time a decision you can’t make now will be made then," Kerry told CBS News.
"If it's peaceful, let's get it done. And my hope is that in the next days that will be possible," he added.
Six world powers, Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany aim by the end of this month to nail down the outline of a deal that would prevent Tehran from making a nuclear bomb.
The agreement aims to set guarantees about the peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear program, controls at Iranian installations, the duration of the accord and dates for gradually lifting sanctions choking Iran's economy.