Longer Iran talks likely

VIENNA, Austria - Facing stubborn disputes on the terms of a deal, 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.

Both sides had been prepared to talk until Sunday, the informal deadline for the negotiations. But two diplomats have told the Associated Press that the talks will probably wind down Friday, because the differences won't be bridged by Sunday.

The diplomats demanded anonymity because they were not authorized to divulge confidential information. One said the two sides opposed going on until the final hours of the informal deadline because they felt that would give the impression they were desperate for a solution.

The talks aim at a deal that curbs Iran's atomic programs in exchange for an end to the nuclear-related sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry spoke of "very real gaps" Tuesday after two days of meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said that Kerry and President Obama were meeting Wednesday to discuss the "path forward" on the talks.

Obama said Wednesday there are "still significant gaps" and more work to do to reach a deal to get Iran to curb its nuclear program.

He said he will consult with Congress and allies to determine whether negotiations need to be extended after the Sunday deadline. He said that based on consultations with Kerry and his national security team progress has been made in several areas.

Russia, China, Britain, France, and Germany are also participating.

The main dispute is over uranium enrichment, which can make both reactor fuel and the fissile core of nuclear warheads.