The Iranian nuclear deal could be finalised as early as this week, says a British media outlet.
The development comes as rapidly rising oil prices force the West to look beyond Russia.
“Agreement on the international deal on Iran’s nuclear programme could be reached within 48 hours,” Britain’s Independent newspaper reported on Saturday, quoting a top official who is also a participant in the deal talks.
“The revival of the deal first struck in 2005 would pave the way for the end of sanctions on Iran, allowing it to step up oil exports to Western countries seeking to halt their reliance on Russia for energy supplies,” The Independent added.
Other reports do not give a specific date but claim that the United States and its allies seem ready to finalise the deal as early as possible.
The US and Iran have held eight rounds of talks over the past year. Tehran refuses to sit down directly with American diplomats, meaning negotiators from Britain, China, France, Germany, and Russia must shuttle between Iranian and American diplomats.
