Iran and world powers set for fresh nuclear talks on 18 January

Iran will hold talks with six world powers on its disputed nuclear programme on 18 January, the European Union has announced.

The United States, China, Russia, Britain, France and Germany want Iran to curb its nuclear capabilities in return for lifting economic sanctions that have severely damaged Iran's economy.

As well as the sanctions, Iran's economy has been blighted by the falling price of crude oil, which has more than halved since the summer of 2014.

The countries "will continue negotiations in Geneva on 18 January with a view to making further progress towards a long-term comprehensive solution on the nuclear issue," the EU said in a statement.

"The meeting will be at a political directors' level, chaired by EU Political Director Helga Schmid," the statement said.

The talks are a continuation of a series of negotiations held in 2014, after which the parties failed to reach a deal but agreed to keep talking. The deadline for a deal was then extended until 30 June 2015.