Iran’s IRNA news agency is reporting that Iranian and European officials have taken a break in their talks in Geneva “for internal consultations by the European parties”, Al Jazeera reports.

IRNA said the Iranian delegation to the talks emphasised “that only a halt to aggression can open the path to diplomacy”.

“The first round of talks was held with a respectful and serious approach, encompassing the perspectives of all parties involved,” IRNA’s report said. “Some of the issues raised could benefit from greater clarity to help pave the way for diplomacy.”

“In particular, the E3 countries (the UK, Germany and France) and Europe, who were initiators of the nuclear talks with Iran, still hope to play a historic role and gain another opportunity to advance diplomatic efforts.”

IRNA added that the Iranian delegation “stressed that Iran has not walked away from the negotiating table, and this round of talks does not mark the end of dialogue”.