CRI听力:Iran Nuclear Talks to Continue Beyond Deadline

The Iranian nuclear talks still underway in Switzerland are being extended to try to get a deal done.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest says enough progress has been made to extend discussions into Wednesday.

"The update that I've received is that our negotiators have determined over the context of a mostly sleepless night last night, and long negotiations during the course of the day in Europe today, that they're going to continue these conversations tomorrow as long as - well, if necessary - and as long as the conversations continue to be productive."

The original talks had a midnight deadline on March 31st, which has just come-to-pass in Switzerland.

However, both sides have been suggesting they may be close enough to a deal to keep the lines of communication open.

Hamid Baeedinejad is a senior Iranian negotiator.

"There are unresolved issues at this moment, which have not been resolved. We are concentrating on finding the best solutions, which are mutually agreed by everybody, and these efforts would be continued until we have those solutions."

Reports are suggesting a general statement focusing on points of agreement will be issued at the end of the talks, which would be enough to allow for a new phase of talks toward a comprehensive deal.

The statement is expected to be accompanied by documents outlining areas where further talks will be needed.

But there is no sign that the most contentious issues have been resolved.

At issue are which sanctions will be lifted, and how much work Iran will be able to do when it comes to further nuclear development.