国际英语新闻:Iran calls on counterparts to choose agreement or coercion: Zarif

VIENNA, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Iran's counterparts in nuclear talks "still need to make a critical and historic choice: agreement or coercion," said Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a video on YouTube on Friday.

"I'm in Vienna to put a long overdue end to an unnecessary crisis," said Zarif at the beginning of the video.

Speaking on the most recent round of talks over Iran's long-disputed nuclear issue, Zarif said despite some remaining differences, "we have never been closer to a lasting outcome. But there is no guarantee."

"Some stubbornly believe that military and economic coercion can ensure submission," he said.

However, he added that his negotiating partners in nuclear talks "have recognized that coercion and pressure never lead to lasting solutions."

According to Zarif, Iran is ready to strike a balanced and good deal.

"Only balanced agreements can withstand the test of time," he said.

As U.S. State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf announced on Tuesday, the fresh round of nuclear talks was extended from June 30 to July 7.

Iran and the five UN Security Council permanent members plus Germany (P5+1) have been negotiating over the past 16 months to reach a long-term deal over Tehran's disputed nuclear plan. In a successful deal, Iran would suspend some sensitive nuclear activities, and in return, Western states would partially relieve some sanctions imposed on Tehran.