United Nations, Sep 20 (IANS) Iran and six major countries started a new round of talks towards a comprehensive agreement on its nuclear programme at the United Nations headquarters in New York Friday.

The talks are expected to last until Sep 26.

There was a hiatus after Iran and the six major world powers, namely the US, China, Russia, Britain, France, plus Germany, met in July, Xinhua reported. 

"The six powers and Iran all showed willingness to reach the agreement as soon as possible," said Wang Min, chief negotiator of the Chinese delegation, before the talks started.

Other attendees for the negotiations also included EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad-Javad Zarif.

In July, Iran and the six countries agreed to extend negotiations over Iran's controversial nuclear programme for another four months till Nov 24 as they could not narrow down the significant gaps on core issues during the past six months.

An interim deal, which took effect Jan 20, was designed to buy time for negotiations. 

Under the deal, Iran would suspend some sensitive nuclear activities in exchange for a limited sanction relief.

Wang said the negotiation has entered "the final key stage" and urged all sides to cherish the present opportunity and push for "concrete progress" in this new round of talks.