EU says Iran must make 'strategic decision' in talks

(BRUSSELS) - EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini urged Iran to compromise in tense talks on its nuclear programme Thursday, saying Tehran must take a "strategic decision" to win a landmark deal.

The talks in Vienna between world powers and Iran had reached a "decisive" stage as they push for a difficult arrangement by a deadline of next Monday, Mogherini said in a statement from Brussels.

"This is the time for Iran to take the strategic decision to open the way for a historic and final settlement of the nuclear issue which would also mark the beginning of a new chapter in relations between Iran and the international community," said Mogherini.

She also thanked her predecessor Catherine Ashton, who has stayed on as the EU's negotiator for the talks despite leaving the post of diplomatic chief at the end of October, for her "dedication" to the task.

"I hope that they will succeed in achieving a long-term and comprehensive diplomatic solution which will address international concerns as regards the Iranian nuclear issue," said Mogherini.

The United States along with Britain, France, China, Russia plus Germany are hoping to reach a historic deal to ensure Tehran is not able to develop a nuclear weapon, a goal Iran has repeatedly denied.