Draft US accord sets 60-day negotiation for nuclear deal, sanctions relief

Iran's Mehr news agency said on Friday that a draft accord with the United States had set 60-day negotiation period to reach a deal over Tehran's nuclear program.

The agency, citing a source close to Iran's negotiating team, said it stipulates "60 days of negotiations to reach an agreement on nuclear issues and the complete lifting of U.S. primary and secondary sanctions."

The agency said an accord would allow for the "release of $24 billion of Iran's blocked funds during the 60-day final negotiation period."

It added that half of that sum would be "made available to Iran before the start of negotiations."