Talks on a nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers have been extended after the two sides failed to complete an agreement by a midnight deadline. Some believe the real deadline is July 9, the last day for President Obama to present an agreement to Congress before a mandatory review period of 30 days jumps to 60 days. The outstanding differences include access to international inspectors and Iranian nuclear activity in the deal’s final years. Negotiators are also trying to determine the timing of sanctions relief and the scope of Tehran’s nuclear research. Speaking at the White House, Obama said he’s prepared to walk away from the talks if Iran fails to make sufficient concessions.
President Obama: “There’s still some hard negotiations to take place, but ultimately this is going to be up to the Iranians to determine whether or not they meet the requirements that the international community has set forth to be able to fairly and accurately and consistently assess whether or not they have foreclosed the possibility of obtaining a nuclear weapon.”