Possibility of reaching Iranian nuclear deal "high": Chinese FM

VIENNA - There is "high possibility" of reaching a comprehensive, balanced Iranian nuclear deal by the July 7 deadline, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters in Vienna on Thursday.

"I think there is high possibility (of getting a deal), but still I need to consult with my colleagues," Wang said in front of the Palais Coburg before he joined the meeting.

Iran and five United Nations Security Council permanent members plus Germany have been negotiating over the past 16 months to reach a long-term deal over Tehran's disputed atomic plan. During the period, Iran would suspend some sensitive nuclear activities, and in return, western states would partially relieve some sanctions imposed on Tehran.

Gaps still remain in some areas of the talks, especially the pace and timing of the sanction relief and the monitoring and verification of Iran's nuclear program, and the deadline of the talks has been extended to July 7 to buy more time for bridging gaps.

Wang also told reporters that the Chinese delegation come with wisdom to push the talks forward.

Sides made a framework agreement on April 2 in Lausanne in Switzerland, but Iran and western states have some differences in interpreting it.