Talks over Iran’s nuclear program remain on track but "tough issues remain unsolved," US Secretary of State John Kerry said on 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 in a brief break from negotiations in Vienna between Iran and six world powers over its nuclear plans.
However, he warned 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 the one-week extension to 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.”
Iran hopes for an agreement that will see the removal of sanctions while the P5+1 — the US, Britain, France, China, Russia and Germany — want access to inspect Iran’s nuclear facilities, fearing the program could have military applications.
