Secretary of State John Kerry has announced talks over Iran’s disputed nuclear program will be extended for seven months after world powers failed to meet a self-imposed deadline. A long-term deal would allow Iranian uranium enrichment and relief from crippling U.S.-led sanctions in return for extensive international inspections. Kerry said the talks have been “tough.”

John Kerry: “These talks aren’t going to suddenly get easier just because we extend them. They’re tough. And they’ve been tough, and they’re going to stay tough. But in these last days in Vienna, we have made real and substantial progress, and we have seen new ideas surface.”

Talks are expected to resume next month.