DHAKA: A senior western official said on Sunday that relief on EU sanctions on oil shipping insurance was included in a deal between Iran and six world powers over its disputed nuclear programme.

‘Insurance on oil shipments is included’ in the agreement reached earlier on Sunday between the Islamic state and six world powers, including EU states Britain, Germany and France, the diplomat said, reports The Jerusalem Post.

Earlier, Iran agreed to curb some of its nuclear activities in return for about $7bn in sanctions relief, after days of intense talks in Geneva, says the BBC.

US president Barack Obama welcomed the deal, saying it included ‘substantial limitations which will help prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon’.

Iran agreed to give better access to inspectors and halt some of its work on uranium enrichment.

Iran president Rouhani said the interim deal recognised Iran`s nuclear ‘rights’.

But he repeated, in a nationwide broadcast, that his country would never seek a nuclear weapon.

Tehran denies repeated claims by Western governments that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. It insists it must be allowed to enrich uranium to use in power stations.

The deal will last for six months allowing time for the negotiation of a more permanent agreement.

BDST: 2024 HRS, NOV 24, 2013