World powers urged to seal nuke deal

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that world powers must "seize the opportunity" of a landmark nuclear deal, saying Teheran had taken "the necessary steps" for an accord.

"Although we haven't reached a final agreement yet, Iran is following nuclear negotiations seriously and good progress has been achieved so far," Rouhani was quoted as saying by official IRNA news agency.

Rouhani's remarks, during a meeting in the Iranian capital, appeared to be a response to US President Barack Obama, who on Monday said: "The issues now are - does Iran have the political will and the desire to get a deal done?"