伊朗外长称双方有意加快伊核会谈

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif says his meeting Wednesday with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry shows that Iran and a group of world powers are ready to "speed up" their negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.

Just before the meeting in Geneva began, Zarif called the talks with Kerry "important," and that "all issues are easy if we resolve them."

Kerry did not comment before the meeting. He said earlier this week his discussions with Zarif would be a chance for the diplomats to assess where the two sides stand.

Lower-level negotiations are due to resume on Thursday.

It has been two months since the two sides decided to extend the negotiations after failing to agree by their self-imposed November deadline.

Now, about six weeks remain before their goal of having a framework in place for a deal that would address concerns about possible military applications of the Iranian nuclear program in exchange for easing sanctions that have hurt the country's economy.

The deadline for a final agreement is July 1.