Iran nuclear deal agreed at Geneva talks They appeared to contradict one another over the vital issue of whether their agreement recognises Iran's "right" to enrich uranium. This highly sensitive process could be used to make fuel for nuclear power stations - which Tehran says is the only goal - or the core of a nuclear weapon. The question of whether Iran has a right to possess this technology lies at the heart of its confrontation with America and its allies. Mr Zarif said that two references in the agreement meant that "this recognition is there - that Iran will have an enrichment programme." Mr Kerry, by contrast, said: "The first step does not say that Iran has a right to enrichment." The full text of the deal has not yet been released. But a fact sheet provided by the White House spelled out how Iran will stop enriching uranium above the 5 per cent threshold needed for nuclear power stations. Its existing stockpile of material processed to 20 per cent purity - a level close to weapons grade - will be converted into harmless material in a way that is irreversible. In addition, Iran will not install any more centrifuges at either of its enrichment plants at Natanz and Fordow. Nor will its scientists operate more than the current number of functioning machines in both sites. Crucially, they will be able to continue enriching uranium with all of the 10,190 machines that are operational today. This abandons the demand made by six United Nations Resolutions that Iran must halt all enrichment. However, Iran agrees not to add to its existing stockpile of uranium enriched to 5 per cent purity by converting any surplus into harmless oxide. One key sticking point in the Geneva talks was the future of a plutonium reactor that Iran is building at Arak. The solution is that Iran will not fuel or commission this plant, nor will it install any additional reactor components. Work not specified in the deal may, however, continue. Iran also agrees to more intrusive monitoring of its nuclear plants by inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Mr Kerry said the agreement "makes our partners in the region safer. It will make Israel safer. It would serve to "lock the most critical components of the nuclear programme into place." As for why Iran had agreed to the deal, Mr Kerry said that "sanctions" had "brought us to this negotiation." Mr Zarif, for his part, gave a starkly differing view. He said that Iran's goal was the "removal of any doubts about the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme." The aim was to close a "rather sad chapter" and restore confidence, including the confidence of Iran's people in the good intentions of America and the West. "The Iranian people demand respect for their rights," said Mr Zarif. It is important to restore their confidence as well. The agreement, which appeared in doubt until the last moment, crowns a decade of diplomacy between Iran and the leading Western powers. The deal was negotiated by the "P5 plus 1" contact group, consisting of the five permanent members of the Security Council - America, Britain, France, Russia and China - along with Germany. Baroness Ashton, the European Union's high representative for foreign affairs, chairs the "P5 plus 1" and led the negotiations. Both Mr Kerry and Mr Zarif paid tribute to her efforts.