White House says "genuine progress" made in Iran nuclear talks

Negotiators have made "genuine progress" in ongoing talks on Iran's nuclear program, but some sticking points remain unsolved, the White House said Monday.

"There have been some key issues in the negotiations that have been closed, and that's a good sign," White House spokesman Josh Earnest told a regular press briefing.

After more than two weeks of bargaining in Austria's capital Vienna, Iran and the six major world powers are heading toward a deal to terminate the decade-old standoff over Iran's nuclear program.

The talks have missed the previous deadlines of June 30 and July 7, and is set to miss the Monday deadline as some tough issues remain unresolved.

The main contentious issues include the United Nation's arms embargo on Iran, implementation of the international community's supervision over Iran's nuclear program and the pace of sanctions relief.

Iran has insisted on lifting all sanctions, including a UN embargo of conventional weapons. However, western powers are reluctant to give in on the issue, voicing concerns that missiles could be used to deliver nuclear war heads.

U.S. President Barack Obama had directed his team to remain engaged and participate in conversations "as long as those conversations remain useful," according to Earnest. Enditem