Next Iran Nuclear Summit on November 7-8 as Zarif Says Talks Herald 'New Phase' in Ties

World powers and Iran have agreed to hold a new round of talks on Tehran's controversial nuclear program on November 7 and 8, EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said Wednesday.

"It was decided to convene the next meeting in Geneva on November 7 and 8," Ashton told reporters after two days of negotiations with Iran.

Ashton underlined that she was reading from what was an unprecedented joint statement agreed with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and herself as chair of the international negotiating team.

The European Union is at the helm of the so-called P5+1 group -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States, plus Germany -- who have spent years trying to reach a deal with Iran.

Meanwhile, Zarif considered that the talks between world powers and Iran could herald a shift in Tehran's ties.

"We hope that this is a beginning of a new phase in our relations," Zarif told reporters in Geneva after wrapping up two days of negotiations.

Zarif said that the talks with the European Union-chair P5+1 group had been "extensive and fruitful" and that they had "exhibited the necessary political will to move the process forward".

Tehran vehemently denies international claims that it is seeking to develop atomic weapons, insisting that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, and on Tuesday made what it dubbed a breakthrough proposal to end the decade-long standoff.

"We will not back down on our rights," Zarif said.

"At the same time we feel there is no need for concerns about our nuclear program... It is logical to remove any concerns though," he added.

"I am hopeful that we can reach the mutual objectives," he said, while underlining that "the detailed part is the most difficult part".

"We need to take reciprocal steps, but this is a very important test in our eyes for the 5+1 to win back the trust of Iran. I believe an important step was taken in this round."