European Union negotiator says next Iran-world power talks to be held Feb. 18 in Vienna

VIENNA – The European Union's chief foreign policy official says the next round of nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers will be held Feb. 18 in Vienna.

Catherine Ashton spoke Friday after meeting Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

The two sides reached a first-stage agreement in November that curbs some Iranian nuclear activities in return for a partial easing of sanctions choking Iran's economy. Implemented Jan. 20, the agreement will be in effect for six months while further negotiations are held aimed at reaching a permanent agreement eliminating concerns that Tehran might turn its atomic prowess to weapons.

Tehran denies such aims but says it is ready to reach a deal in exchange for full sanctions relief.