US Official: Iran Talks Could Extend Beyond Tuesday Deadline

With Iran's nuclear deadline fast-approaching, a US official has indicated that negotiators might need more time. The US, Britain, China, France and Germany - known as the P5+1 - want a framework pact with Iran.

Foreign ministers deliberated in Lausanne for what they hoped would be the final day of high-level negotiations with Iran, which the P5+1 hopes will result in a containment of Tehran's nuclear ambitions.



In the early evening hours, with roughly six hours until the deadline for a framework agreement, a US official speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the talks might extend into Wednesday.



Talks will continue "if we are continuing to make progress, including into tomorrow, if it's useful to do so," the anonymous source told the Associated Press news agency.



AFP news agency, which also cited an unnamed US source in Lausanne, added that none of the diplomats had made final travel plans, pointing to the need for more time.



'Difficult issues'



US Secretary of State John Kerry told US news channel CNN earlier in the day that diplomats faced "difficult issues."



"We are trying very hard to work those through," Kerry said.



The P5+1 is attempting to convince Tehran to curb its nuclear program, which the Iranian government contends is supposed to serve civilian purposes.



However, critics of the talks, such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have repeatedly warned of nuclear proliferation and the increased potential for an arms race under the terms of the current negotiations.



An final agreement is set to be reached by June 30.



kms/jr (AP, AFP)