U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says that over the past few days good progress has been in Vienna made toward a nuclear deal with Iran, but that negotiators are not yet where they need to be on several important issues.

Speaking to the press Sunday, Kerry said “we are not there yet, I emphasize that.”

He added that the United States only wants a good agreement and is willing to walk away without a deal.  He said officials are not “going to shave anywhere at the margins” just to get an agreement.

He said that while he agrees with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif that the sides have never been closer to reaching a deal, there are still several outstanding issues. He said that if hard choices get made in the next few days an agreement could be reached this week.

Foreign foreign ministers from six negotiating powers are returning to Vienna and preparing to meet in a final push to secure a nuclear deal with Iran ahead of a self-imposed July 7 deadline.

Kerry and Zarif met Sunday after breakthroughs were reported on two highly contentious issues; the pace of sanctions relief and a probe into whether Iran’s previous nuclear work has included the development of nuclear weapons technology.

WATCH: VOA’s Mary Alice Salinas reporting from Vienna

Sources tell VOA the two sides have reached a tentative  agreement on the sanctions question.  However, officials warn ministers must still approve the deal.

Meanwhile, the top U.N. nuclear watchdog raised hopes about the talks on the controversial question involving Western demands that Tehran reveal its past nuclear activities before a final comprehensive deal is reached.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Yukiya Amano , told reporters that “with the cooperation from Iran,” he expects a complete report from his team within six months on “the possible military dimensions” (PMD) of Iran’s nuclear program.

Western powers believe Iran has worked to develop nuclear weapons technology, something Tehran has denied.

Amano said he saw progress when he visited Iran Thursday, but added more work needs to be done.

While all sides have reported progress, they have also made clear that key and difficult issues remain unresolved.

In addition to Kerry and Zarif, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi remained in Vienna throughout the weekend.  Other foreign ministers from the negotiating powers, including Britain, France, Germany and Russia, will begin returning to Vienna on Sunday as they try to reach a comprehensive, final agreement by Tuesday. [Read More]

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Source: VOA News: Economy and Finance