Kerry says interim deal with Iran may not be within reach

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry told reporters on Saturday that "important gaps" still remain between Iran and six world powers attempting to negotiate limits on Iran's nuclear power program, Reuters reports.

"I can't tell you whether or not we can get a deal, whether we are close," Kerry said. "The purpose of these negotiations is not just to get a deal, it is to get the right deal."

The United States, along with Britain, Germany, France, China, and Russia, will resume talks with Iran on Sunday. The two sides hope to reach an interim agreement by the end of March, and then negotiate a final deal by June 30. The six world powers want Iran to curb its nuclear programs, in exchange for an end to sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Kerry also addressed a letter sent by U.S. Republican senators to Iran last week, which warned that any deal made would not outlast President Barack Obama's presidency.

"As far as we're concerned, Congress has no ability to change an executive agreement," Kerry said of the warning.