Negotiators Work to Close Iran Nuclear Talks

VIENNA—Hours are left before the deadline in the Iran nuclear talks is set to expire, with waning hope that the U.S. and its partner countries will reach a deal Monday.

The American diplomatic delegation in the Austrian capital divulged little information throughout the day. But back in Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said “genuine progress” had been made, but several issues remained under review.

He added that negotiators would remain at the table as long as the discussions between Iran and the six other countries remain productive.

“If the talks are not completed today, then the interim agreement will be extended again,” Earnest added.

Earlier in the day, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi said some issues remained unresolved, and he could not promise a resolution would be reached by the end of the day.

Without a deal on July 13, this will be the fourth deadline missed since negotiations began in Vienna in late June to finalize an agreement more than a decade under construction that would curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the removal of economic sanctions on the country.

Earlier Monday, acting spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry during the talks, Alireza Miryousefi, cast doubt on a final deal being announced by the end of the day.

«Everyone working hard to get to yes today, but political will still required,» Miryousefi said on Twitter.

Top diplomats from the US, its EU partners, Russia, and China continued closed-door meetings Monday at the Palais Coburg, where the talks are being held.

Throughout the day, diplomats had hinted the group, known as the P5+1, and Iran were close to having the complex document ready.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said conditions were in place for a «good agreement.»

«We believe that there cannot and should not be further delays in the negotiations,» Wang said.