TALKS on Iran’s nuclear energy programme rumbled on in Vienna last night, scotching earlier rumours of an imminent deal.

Negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 group of powers stalled on issues including Western verification of the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme and the lifting of an embargo on Iran’s arms exports to its neighbours.

The Iranian delegation was optimistic of a deal on exports.

“The agreement states that the Iranians will continue supplying defensive weapons to its regional allies to fight against terrorism and extremism,” a source told Russian state news agency RIA Novosti.

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi told reporters in Vienna that the talks were at their “final, breathtaking moments (but) certain issues still remain.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi flew in to try to clinch the deal.

“We believe there could not be further delay,” said Mr Wang.