A 'comprehensive' Iran nuke deal expected to be announced today

A comprehensive deal on Iran's nuclear programme is expected to be announced today after negotiators reached a consensus on the main outstanding issues over the weekend in Vienna.

Although diplomats said that there could still be some 'last-minute surprises' by one of the parties to the talks or squabbling over the language of the final text, they stated that only technical issues had to be resolved, reported The Guardian.

The text of the agreement, the English version of which runs over 80 pages including five annexes, will be proofread and reviewed by lawyers. Translations would then have to be completed before the final version is sent to the relevant capitals for approval.

The new deal would require Iran to curb its nuclear programme and subject its facilities to a more rigorous regime of inspections in exchange for extensive sanctions relief.

The agreement would mark an end to a 12-year-long standoff that has often threatened to stoke a new crisis in the Middle East.

However, the United States and Iranian officials have warned against firm predictions on timing, with the latter saying that the final processing of the document, which stretches over 100 pages in Farsi, could take until Wednesday.

Once an agreement is made public, it will not take effect for some time and will have to first survive a 'trial by fire' from its critics in Washington and Tehran.

The greatest hurdle will be posed by the U.S. Congress, where Republicans have a majority and are expected to vote against the deal after a review period of up to 60 days.