Powers to push for early Iran nuclear deal, diplomat says

BRUSSELS, Belgium — Iran and world powers will try to conclude a nuclear deal before a new summer deadline, a senior European diplomat said Wednesday, just days after negotiations ended unsuccessfully in Vienna.

“The extension is until June 30 but there’s a clear commitment to capitalize on the momentum and get it done much earlier,” the diplomat said.

Iran and world powers failed Monday to clinch a landmark nuclear deal and defuse a 12-year standoff but gave themselves seven more months to reach an agreement.

The failure followed an intensive five-day diplomatic push in the Austrian capital Vienna involving the foreign ministers of Iran, the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany.

“There was an absolute commitment to reach a deal but it was not enough to bridge the gaps,” the diplomat said, adding that negotiators would meet again in December.

“The format, place and level is yet to be decided,” the source said.

An agreement is aimed at easing fears that Tehran will develop nuclear weapons under the guise of its civilian activities, an ambition Iran denies.

It could see painful sanctions on Iran lifted, silence talk of war and represent a much-needed success for both US President Barack Obama and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani.