Kerry, Zarif suggest Iran nuclear deal may take more time
US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif prepare ground for likely extension in Iran final deal talks.
Vienna — Secretary of State John Kerry said July 15 that there has been “tangible progress" made in marathon Iran nuclear talks underway here, but gaps remain, and he would be returning to Washington to consult with President Barack Obama and Congress about the way forward, including the possibility of extending the talks.
“We have made progress,” Kerry told journalists at a press conference here July 15. “But after my conversations with Iran and our partners, it is clear we still have more work to do.”
“We are going to continue to work with the belief that there is a way forward,” Kerry said. “But … while there is a path forward, Iran needs to choose to take it.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran is ready to reach a durable agreement that will provide the international community verifiable assurances that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful. But Iran insists that it be given the choice to eventually produce the fuel for the Bushehr power plant, although “not tonight or tomorrow,” he said.
