World powers and Iran agreed to extend negotiations over the Persian Gulf country’s nuclear program by another seven months, risking a backlash from opponents who say the talks aren’t getting anywhere.
Diplomats gave themselves until March 1 to come up with a political framework and July 1 to spell out the technical steps needed to end the 11-year standoff. The extension was announced as negotiators in Vienna failed to meet yesterday’s deadline for a deal. The November 2013 interim accord between Iran and the six world powers, which caps nuclear work in exchange for limited sanctions relief, will remain in effect.
