Iran and the six world powers are expected to break off negotiations on Monday and meet again next month after missing a deadline to clinch a final deal to resolve their 12-year standoff over Tehran's nuclear program, diplomatic sources said.
Details about the resumption of negotiations were still being worked out, though one source said on condition of anonymity that Iran could not expect any new sanctions relief for the time being. Possible venues could include Vienna and Oman, one of the sources said, though nothing had been decided, Reuters reported.
"Given progress made this weekend, talks headed to likely extension with experts and negotiating teams reconvening in December at a yet-to-be-determined location," a western diplomat said in an email. The diplomat declined to be identified.
"Some progress has been made," said another diplomat involved in the talks. "But we need to discuss some issues with our capitals. We will meet again before the new year. This is an ongoing process."
Meantime, other sources said the seven nations have adopted a final decision to extend the negotiations process for several months.
“Yes, the decision has been made,” a source said, adding, “The negotiations will be extended, the timeframe will be defined at the ministerial meeting."
Media reports said earlier citing sources the talks may be extended until the end of March and even until July 2015.
But other sources said the talks have been extended until July 10, and the world powers have taken up to release $700 million of Iran's frozen assets on a monthly basis.