Jordan: Iran deal step in right direction

Jordan, which is seeking to develop civil atomic energy, welcomed on Monday a nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, saying it was "a step in the right direction". "Jordan, like the international community, is awaiting details about the comprehensive implementation of the agreement, which should reflect positively on regional security," Information Minister Mohammad Momani said in a statement carried by state-run Petra news agency. "It's a step in the right direction that Jordan hopes would contribute to world peace." The deal reached on Sunday would curb parts of Iran's nuclear program in return for some relief from international sanctions. It came following marathon talks in Geneva between Iran and the so-called P5+1 nations comprising Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. Parched Jordan wants to develop nuclear power to meet its growing energy need and to desalinate water to tackle a chronic water shortage. In October, the kingdom announced that two Russian firms will build and operate a $10-billion (7-billion-euro) nuclear plant, including two 1,000-megawatt reactors.