US express scepticism in Iran nuclear talks deal

As talks over Iran's nuclear programme resume in Geneva, the US has warned of the "hard task ahead" for Iran and envoys to seal a breakthrough deal this week.

Foreign Minister Mohamed Javad Zarif is leading Iran's negotiating team in a meeting with envoys from Russia, the United States, China, France, Britain and Germany in the hope of reaching an initial accord.

It would mean Iran limiting its contested uranium enrichment in exchange for limited relief from sanctions.

However, despite Washington's scepticism at reaching a deal, cautious optimism remains that an accord can be reached.

International news agencies have that as the position of the negotiating countries changes regularly, Iran's position stays put. Nevertheless, the negotiations have been deemed positive while Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif is optimistic about reaching an agreement.

This round of talks has been scheduled to last three days, with critics saying that the talks are likely to take time as it as a gradual process.