On Saturday, Zarif made the remarks during a phone call with EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton, and both sides called for more negotiations on the matter in the near future.

The Iranian foreign minister also underlined the necessity to have political will and real determination to resolve differences over Iran’s nuclear program.

Ashton said the six powers that negotiate with Iran on its nuclear program were ready to work with Iran's negotiating team as soon as they were appointed, Ashton's spokesman said in a statement.

Ashton "confirmed the need for substantial talks that will lead to concrete results swiftly" in the nuclear talks, the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the two officials "touched on regional issues and agreed to meet soon."

Iran has said is ready to continue constructive negotiations with the group P5+1, including the US, Russia, China, Britain, France plus Germany, based on a determined time framework, following election of the new Iranian president Hassan Rouhani.

Rouhani has said he is willing to extend cooperation with the world and help ease the sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic over Iran’s nuclear activities.

NTJ/SHI