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            White House Cannot Confirm Iran Nuclear Talks Extension

   by VOA News

   The White House says it cannot confirm reports that diplomats will
   extend the deal-making process on Iran's nuclear program beyond this
   Sunday's deadline.

   White House Secretary Josh Earnest said "Iran's track record over the
   last six months has been surprisingly favorable." But he echoed
   Secretary of State John Kerry's sentiment that a number of gaps remain
   before diplomats from Tehran and world powers can reach a deal.

   Kerry is briefing President Barack Obama on Wednesday about his
   conversations in Vienna amid signs world powers and Iran would seek to
   extend the deal-making process.

   An interim deal for Iran to curb its uranium enrichment in exchange for
   an easing of sanctions expires July 20. Diplomats from Britain, China,
   France, Germany, Russia, and the U.S. have been working with Iran on a
   longer term deal.

   Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Tuesday the process
   is worth continuing, and he said he is sure Kerry will make the same
   recommendation.

   A Western diplomat says it is highly improbable a deal can be reached
   by Sunday and that the talks would continue over the coming months.

   The U.S. suspects Iran of trying to build a nuclear weapon. Iran
   insists its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes.




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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/white-house-cannot-confirm-nuclear-ta
   lks-extension/1958964.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/white-house-cannot-confirm-nuclear-talks-extension/1958964.html