Iran to hold direct talks with US, Russia

Tehran: Iran will hold bilateral talks with the United States and Russia next week ahead of the next round of its nuclear talks with the six western nations due to begin in Vienna June 16, the country`s foreign ministry said.

Iran is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with the US in Geneva from Monday to Tuesday, while separate talks between Iran and Russia would be held in Rome Tuesday and Wednesday, IRNA reported Saturday. Bilateral meetings between Iran and other members of the P5+1 group will also be held before the Vienna nuclear meeting slated for June 16. Under a landmark interim deal made in Geneva last November between Iran and the P5+1 group, Iran agreed to freeze some controversial nuclear activities within six months in exchange for a limited ease of western sanctions. Iran and the six powers have held several rounds of nuclear talks this year.