Iran, P5+1 discuss possible extension of talks
By Sara Rajabova
Iranian foreign minister dismissed reports about an agreement on the suspension of nuclear talks between Iran and P5+1 group.
"No decision has been made yet and what has been said is just speculation," Mohammad Javad Zarif said on July 16 in reaction to media speculations that the ongoing nuclear talks between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council - China, Russia, Britain, France and the United States - plus Germany would probably be suspended on July 18, Press TV reported.
Iran and the six world powers kicked off their sixth round of talks this year in the Austrian capital, Vienna, on July 3 to discuss drafting a final nuclear accord.
Zarif said negotiations between Iran and the six countries are ongoing, adding, the sides are now focusing on substantive discussions such as sanctions and the possibility of extending the talks.
Meanwhile, Reuters quoted Western diplomats as saying on Wednesday that an announcement on the possible extension of the talks between Iran and P5+1 may come on July 18.
"We hope to reach a deal before July 20 and wrap up the extension before the weekend," a Western diplomat said.
Several diplomats close to the ongoing negotiations in the Austrian capital Vienna suggested they expected the talks to resume in September, the report said.
U.S. President Barack Obama said Iran has shown commitment to the interim nuclear deal with the six world powers.
"It's clear to me that we have made real progress in several areas and that we have a credible way forward," Obama said at a press conference in the White House on July 16.
He didn't rule out that the talk might continue beyond a July 20 deadline under the interim deal, saying that there was "more works to do."
"So over the next few days, we'll continue consulting with Congress, and our team will continue discussions with Iran and our partners as we determine whether additional time is necessary to extend our negotiations," Obama said.
Meanwhile, nuclear talks continued between negotiators from Iran and the six countries in Vienna.
P5+1 and Iran reached an interim pact last November under which Iran won some relief from economic sanctions in return for reining in some of its nuclear activities.
The deal came into force in January and expires on July 20, but can be extended depending on the agreement of all parties involved.
Their goal is to reach a comprehensive nuclear agreement by July 20 that will lay to rest Western concerns about the Iranian program and ease all the sanctions on Tehran.