US will not extend nuclear talks with Iran

The United States said it will not agree to extend a deadline set between world powers and Iran over its nuclear programme.

US State Department spokesperson Jeff Rathke told reporters in Washington: “We’re focused on June 30th and completing the talks by then. We’re not contemplating an extension.”

He added that the US believes that meeting the deadline set for 30 June is achievable.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said yesterday that he hopes that Iran and the world powers could reach a final nuclear agreement within a reasonable period, but added that this would be difficult if the other party insisted on its exaggerated demands.

“If the other side respected what was agreed upon in Lausanne and tried to draft a viable – on the basis of mutual respect – and comprehensive agreement with Iran… then we will be able to meet the deadline,” Zarif said.

US Secretary of State John Kerry is due to meet Zarif in Geneva tomorrow.