Kerry: No Iran nuclear talks extension

The United States has apparently ruled out another extension of nuclear talks with Iran, with Secretary of State John Kerry suggesting on Sunday that such a move would be “impossible.”

{mosads}”The only chance I can see of an extension at this point in time would be you really have the outlines of the agreement,” Kerry said in an interview that aired on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

“But if we’re not able to make the fundamental decisions that have to be made over the next weeks, literally, I think it would be impossible to extend,” he said.

“I don’t think we would want to extend at that point. Either you make the decisions to prove your program is a peaceful one or, if you’re unable to do that, it may tell a story that none of us want to hear,” he added.

Negotiators last November extended a deadline on talks over Iran’s nuclear program through the end of June.

Republicans and several congressional Democrats have fiercely questioned the administration’s moves on Iran, worrying it could include potential concessions to leaders in Tehran.

Late last month, members of the Senate Banking Committee passed a bill imposing additional sanctions on Iran if negotiators fail to reach a deal on Tehran’s nuclear program by the June 30 deadline.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to speak before Congress early next month on the issue, highlighting the rift between the White House and members of Congress, especially Republicans.

Kerry’s Iranian counterpart appeared on Sunday to also rule out an extension.

“I do not think another extension is in the interest of anyone, as I do not believe this extension was either necessary or useful,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said at the Munich security conference, where he met with Kerry, according to Agence France-Presse.