Iran nuclear talks: Western nations push for deal ahead of looming deadline

The P5+1 nations have accused Iran of building nuclear weapons under the pretense of developing its nuclear capabilities for civilian purposes

The western nations have reportedly intensified talks with Iran to reach an agreement on its nuclear programme, ahead of a March 31 deadline.

The US secretary of state and German and French foreign ministers have all cancelled their travel plans in a bid to push for a deal, reported the BBC.

The meeting, which is taking place in the Swiss city of Lausanne, is also being attended by representatives from China, Russia and the UK.

US officials said that all parties had agreed to a "step by step approach" to the deal however, key sticking points still remained.

The P5+1 nations, including, the US, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia and China, accuse Iran of building nuclear weapons under the pretense of developing its nuclear capabilities for civilian purposes. They want Tehran to curb its nuclear ambitions in return for the lifting of United Nations sanctions.