A deal between world powers and Iran on Tehran's nuclear programme is within reach, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Sunday following talks in Geneva.

"It is vital to keep the momentum," Hague told BBC television. "A deal is on the table and it can be done."

Iran and world powers failed to clinch a long-sought deal Sunday despite marathon talks in Geneva but kept hopes alive by agreeing to meet again in the Swiss city on November 20.

"On the question about will it happen in the next few weeks, there is a good chance of that, but as I say it is a formidably difficult negotiation," Hague said.

"I can't say exactly when it will conclude but we will be trying again. So we will keep an enormous amount of energy and persistence behind solving this. Will that be a deal that will please everybody? Well, no it won't, because compromises will have to be made."

The possible agreement had already come under fire from Tehran's arch-foe Israel, widely thought to be the Middle East's sole if undeclared nuclear armed power, which has opposed any move to ease sanctions.

Hague said: "It is in the interests of the whole world, including Israel and all nations of the world, to reach a diplomatic agreement that we can be confident in on this issue, which otherwise threatens the world with nuclear proliferation and with conflict in the future." (AFP)