Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

As July 20 deadline is approaching, Iran and P5+1 group are still at loggerheads over main issues in their nuclear talks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said at a press conference in Vienna that talks might continue between the two sides beyond the July 20 deadline to reach a comprehensive agreement on Tehran's long-lasting nuclear dispute, Press TV reported.

"I see an inclination on the part of our negotiating partners that they believe more time may be useful and necessary," Zarif said, adding, "Everybody needs to make a choice not just Iran. It's up to everyone to make a choice and I hope everyone would make the right choice, because this opportunity will not be repeated in the near future."

Zarif said Iran needs serious but clear enrichment program that meets the demands for nuclear fuel, noting that Tehran insist on a serious, industrial, but transparent and subject to verification program instead of a minimalist enrichment, ITAR TASS reported.

He voiced hope that the sides will succeed to reach agreement until July 20. Zarif added that on July 20 the negotiating countries will decide whether they can reach an agreement or they have unresolved issues and should continue.

He also noted that the text of the final agreement between Iran and the six countries was agreed by "half", adding major differences on important issues remain unresolved.

Zarif called on Washington to take a political decision to help break the stalemate in the ongoing talks over Tehran's nuclear energy program.

After the meeting with Zarif on July 14, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said at a different presser in Vienna that tangible progress has been made in latest round of talks.

Kerry said he will discuss with President Barack Obama and leaders in Congress over the coming days about the prospects for a comprehensive agreement as well as the path forward if the sides cannot achieve a deal by July 20.

Iran and the six states kicked off their sixth round of talks this year in the Austrian capital on July 3.

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.