Iran nuke talks to continue in new phase

Representatives of European and world powers prior to meeting to pin down a nuclear deal with Iran, at the Beau Rivage Palace Hotel in Lausanne, Switzerland, 30 March 2015. [Photo/IC]

LAUSANNE - Officials say that Iran and six world powers are close to ending the latest round of nuclear talks with a statement that lacks specifics accompanied by documents outlining more detailed understandings.

The texts reflect obstacles remaining to a final agreement but will allow the sides to continue negotiating in a new phase toward that comprehensive deal by late June.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is heading back to Lausanne, indicating an end to the talks is near. He departed on Monday but said he would return if a deal was imminent.

US Secretary of State John Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif already have been joined by the foreign ministers of the five other nations at the table.

The officials demanded anonymity Tuesday because their information is confidential.