Diplomats from Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council – the United States, France, Britain, Russia, China – plus Germany met in Vienna on Friday, the 17th day of marathon talks between the two sides over a comprehensive nuclear deal.

The previous deadline set by negotiators expires on Sunday, July 20, but they are discussing conditions for its extension.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday that the Islamic Republic may agree to an extension of the ongoing nuclear talks provided that the other side proves that it honors Iran’s rights.

“If it becomes clear that the opposite side respects the Iranian nation’s rights and viewpoints within the framework of international law, we will continue the talks and, if necessary, extend the time for the negotiations,” he said.

China’s chief negotiator in the Vienna talks Wang Qun said on Friday that the deadline is “likely” to be extended.

“I have reasons to draw encouragement from what we have achieved so far, but nevertheless I think there are issues we need to zero in on, where the two sides are apart,” he said.

Iran and the six powers are in talks to iron out differences and achieve a final deal that would end the decade-old dispute over Iran’s nuclear energy program.

The two sides sealed an interim deal in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 23, 2013. The deal came into force in January and expires on July 20, but can be extended depending on the agreement of all parties involved.

NJF/NJF