CRI听力:No Iran Nuclear Deal Expected on Monday: Zarif

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says nuclear talks with six world powers will not finish on Monday, amid reports of deadlock over a U.N. arms embargo and other sticking points.

The sides have been close to a deal to give Iran sanctions relief in exchange for limits on its nuclear program.

But there have been no concrete signs of a breakthrough as diplomats in Vienna continue to struggle over issues such as U.N. sanctions and access to Iranian military sites.

In Washington, White House press secretary Josh Earnest says significant issues remain to be resolved.

"The thing that I can tell you is that they have made genuine progress in those conversations, and I think even over the last week or so, there is progress, important progress that has been made. There have been some key issues in the negotiations that have been closed, and that's a good sign. That said, there continue to be some sticking points that remain unresolved."

Taking part in the talks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says negotiators are trying to reach a positive outcome.

"With intensive consultations in the past couple of days, new progress has been made in the final stage of negotiations. China believes that no agreement could be perfect and conditions are already in place for us to reach a good agreement, hence foreign ministers of the six countries are gathered once again in Vienna to bring the negotiation to a conclusion. We believe that there cannot and should not be further delays in the negotiations."

Some Western diplomats have revealed that at least two other issues still need final agreement: Iranian demands that a UN arms embargo be lifted and that any UN Security Council resolution approving the nuclear deal no longer describe Iran's nuclear activities as illegal.

With few signs of a breakthrough, the talks look set to force a fourth extension since the current round began 17 days ago.