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Itongadol- Iran and six world powers are expected to adjourn nuclear negotiations on Monday and reconvene next month, possibly in Oman, after the latest round of talks failed to clinch a final deal, a source close to the talks said.
Details about the adjournment and resumption of negotiations were still being worked out, though the source said on condition of anonymity that Iran could not expect any new sanctions relief for the time being.
The talks are aimed at securing a deal under which sanctions against Iran would be gradually lifted in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.
US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif agreed Sunday to start discussions on continuing the talks past the target date.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said earlier Monday that negotiators were still having "consultations" on a final agreement that meets both US demands for strict curbs on Tehran\’s nuclear program and Iran\’s push for sanctions relief.
Wang arrived Monday, joining the foreign ministers of the other countries negotiating with Iran — the U.S., Russia, Britain, France and Germany.
While the deadline, already extended in July, could well be extended again, Iranian officials have said they are working on an alternative if the talks collapse altogether, which would see them look east and north for diplomatic and economic support.
"Of course we have a plan B," a senior Iranian official said Sunday. "I cannot reveal more details but we have always had good relations with Russia and China. Naturally, if the nuclear talks fail, we will increase our cooperation with our friends and will provide them more opportunities in Iran\’s high-potential market."