Reuters: With talks between world powers and Iran over a broad nuclear accord at an impasse, Western governments are considering offering a significant easing of sanctions early on in the process to try to wring concessions from Tehran, diplomats say. To be effective, such a plan would have to involve clear guidance to companies made wary by U.S. fines for sanctions-busting, be reversible and not go too far.

Bloomberg: U.S. President Barack Obama raised the possibility of extending talks with Iran over its disputed nuclear program, suggesting that a comprehensive accord won’t be reached before an interim deal expires July 20. “There are still some significant gaps between the international community and Iran, and we have more work to do,” Obama told reporters at the White House yesterday.

The Hill: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (N.J.) is wary about giving Secretary of State John Kerry more time to reach a nuclear deal with Iran. Menendez, a sharp critic of Iran, could present a problem for the Obama administration, which has strongly hinted it will seek more time to negotiate. “We want an agreement but it has to be a good agreement, not an agreement for agreement’s sake,” he said.

Reuters: Iran and six world powers are working to finalise the terms of a likely extension in negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme beyond a July 20 deadline and an announcement may come as early as Friday, Western diplomats said. Officials from both sides have said it appears the talks will not yield a breakthrough by the self-imposed target date after two weeks of efforts failed to bridge gaps in positions over a deal intended.

AP: President Barack Obama said Wednesday that there are “still significant gaps” and more work to do to reach a deal to get Iran to curb its nuclear program. Iran and six world powers have tentatively decided to adjourn their nuclear talks two days early but plan to extend them past their planned July 20 end date, diplomats said Wednesday.

The Hill: Two influential U.S. senators have asked fellow lawmakers to support demands that Iran accept tough conditions in nuclear talks. “A final agreement with Iran must put in place a long-term inspections and verification regime that lasts at least 20 years,” Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Robert Menendez and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a letter they intend to send to President Obama this week.

Reuters: Iran and six world powers on Tuesday appeared likely to extend talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme beyond a July 20 deadline, while Washington said the Islamic Republic must cut its capacity to make nuclear fuel to secure a deal to end sanctions.“There are more issues to work through and more provisions to nail down to ensure that Iran’s programme can always remain exclusively peaceful,” Kerry said.