China Says Extension of Iran Nuclear Deadline 'Likely' Friday

Iran and world powers are "likely" to agree Friday on the terms of extending a Sunday deadline to reach a nuclear deal, China's chief negotiator in talks in Vienna said.

"Yes, it is likely," Wang Qun told reporters, adding however it remained unclear how long the deadline would be extended by.

Wang also said that generally speaking, he was "encouraged" by progress made in the talks in recent months, which are aimed at easing for good fears that Iran might develop nuclear weapons.

"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.