Skip to main content

John Kerry gives update on Iran nuclear talks from Vienna

The American Secretary of State is giving a speech updating reporters on the talks between Iran and world powers in Vienna
John Kerry delivers a speech outside the hotel where the Iran nuclear talk meetings are being held (AFP)

US Secretary of States John Kerry is in Vienna providing an update to reporters on talks with Iran over their nuclear programme. 

A deal is believed to be close between Tehran and world powers, however, with some sticking points remaining, negotiations are ongoing.

Here are some selected quotes from Kerry's speech:

"There's a lot of speculation. I want to make sure it's best on some sense of reality

This evening my foreign minister colleagues are returning here to Vienna. It is now time to see whether or not we can close an agreement.

We have made genuine progress. I want to be clear - we are not where we need to be on several of most of the most difficult issues.

We have never been closer [but] this negotiation could go either way.

If hard choices are made quickly we could get an agreement this week. If they are not made, we will not [reach an agreement].

Our teams remain hard at work. We are not going to be negotiating in the press - we will be negotiating privately and quietly.

We are aiming to finish this in the time frame we have set out - by Tuesday (7 July).

If we don't have a deal - (if there is) an unwillingness to move on (the) important issues - President Obama has always said we are prepared to walk away.

President Obama has made it clear we have to close off the four pathways to a potential bomb.

Everybody is negotiating hard - that's what makes this difficult.

We are not there yet - I want to emphasise that.

We are pushing for the 7 (July deadline) - that's what we've all said."

New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch

Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters

Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.