As talks between Iran and the P5+1 global powers resumed this week in Vienna, the Los Angeles Times published comments from one senior State Department official stating that “significant differences” remain as the parties approach the July 20 deadline set by the interim Joint Plan of Action (JPA) passes:

“There are still significant gaps,” the official said. “We don’t have illusions about how difficult it will be to close those gaps.”

“This week is a critical one for the comprehensive negotiations,” the official said.

Negotiations have in recent weeks reportedly stumbled over issues ranging from uranium enrichment capacity to Tehran’s refusal to come clean over past military dimensions (PMDs) of its nuclear program. Among the sticking points facing negotiators this week will be the amount of centrifuges and the stockpile of enriched uranium that the Iranians will be allowed to maintain, as well as the fate of the Islamic republic’s heavy water production facility at Arak.

Top Iranian officials have threatened to reverse Tehran’s concessions on uranium enrichment if a deal is not reached by July 20:

International and Legal Affairs Deputy to the Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said achieving a comprehensive nuclear deal is possible despite “differences” between Iran and the P5+1. He added “it would be disastrous for all if a comprehensive deal is not reached…Iran will resume 20 percent enrichment.”

The Associated Press on Saturday conveyed remarks from Iranian President Hassan Rouhani that “the sanctions regime has been broken” and “conditions will never go back to the past.”

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