WASHINGTON: The United States said yesterday that Iran’s adherence to an interim nuclear deal had been “surprisingly favourable,” as it contemplated a likely extension to talks on framing a final agreement.
US Secretary of State John Kerry was briefing President Barack Obama on the talks between world powers and the Islamic republic in Vienna, amid clear signs the process will go on after a Sunday deadline.
Kerry returned to Washington from the talks in Vienna late Tuesday, and is likely also to discuss any possible US mediation efforts in the conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.
Kerry said before leaving Vienna that he would discuss with Obama “the prospects for a comprehensive agreement, as well as a path forward if we do not achieve one by the 20th of July, including the question of whether or not more time is warranted.”
He said after two days of talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif that there had been “tangible progress on key issues” but “very real gaps” remain.
“It is clear that their track record over the last six months, I think many people would acknowledge, has been surprisingly favorable and that there has been a legitimate discussion and constructive engagement between Iran and the P-5 plus one,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest Earnest said.AFP
