US's Kerry says 'tough issues remain' in nuclear talks

WASHINGTON/ANKARA

Talks over Iran’s nuclear program remain on track but "tough issues remain unsolved," U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday.

"Given the work here is incredibly technical and the stakes are very high, we will not rush and we will not be rushed," Kerry said during a brief break from negotiations in Vienna between Iran and six world powers over its nuclear plans.

He warned, however, that the sides were “not going to sit at the negotiating table forever", according to footage of his comments posted on the State Department website.

The talks have now gone nine days past a one-week extension of the June 30 deadline.

"We shouldn't get up and leave, simply because the clock strikes midnight," Kerry added. "We believe we are making real progress toward a comprehensive deal.”

In a post on Twitter, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said: “We're working hard, but not rushed, to get the job done. Mark my words; you can't change horses in the middle of a stream.”

In Washington, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters that if it becomes clear that Iran is not seeking to meaningfully resolve the remaining gaps, "then the president will bring the negotiating team home".

"The fact that they are closer than they've ever been before and the fact that we've been very clear about what our expectations are for a final agreement makes it unlikely that the talks will drag on for many more weeks," he said. "But again, I wouldn't speculate on the outcome."

Regarding an extension on a 30-day congressional review period that would double the time for lawmakers to assess a deal should negotiators not reach a final accord by July 9, Earnest said that the administration is "not too concerned."

"The only reason they went from 30 to 60 days is to accommodate the 30-day vacation that members of Congress have planned for themselves," he said.

Iran hopes for an agreement that will see the removal of sanctions while the P5+1 - the U.S., Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany - want access to inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities, fearing the program could have military applications.