Saudi Arabia: No 'undeserved' nuclear deal for Iran

Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal speaks out as Western powers inch towards agreement with Tehran

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal said on Monday that Iran, which is negotiating with world powers on its nuclear program, should not get an “undeserved deal”.

“It is impossible that Iran should get undeserved deals,” Prince Saud said at a joint news conference with visiting British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.

The statements came after Israel sent envoys to France — among them Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz — to prevent what Israel considers a “bad deal.” France has been more hawkish than the US at the negotiating table, reportedly demanding more stringent restrictions than other Western delegations.

Paris, which raised last-minute objections to an interim agreement reached with Iran in 2013, could threaten a deal again.

The US and Iran broke off nuclear negotiations in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Friday for consultations but they are to resume the make-or-break talks Wednesday.

Both Iran and the US have reported substantial progress in the talks but also say gaps still remain. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Saturday a final deal is possible and that “there is nothing that can’t be resolved.”

Iran and the six-nation group hope to reach a rough deal by the end of March and a final, permanent agreement by June 30.

The talks seek a permanent deal to cap Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions.

Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. The West fears it could allow Iran to build an atomic bomb.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.