Iran has resumed talks with the United States and five other world powers in Switzerland ahead of this month’s deadline for a framework nuclear deal. The New York Times reports negotiators are confronting last-minute obstacles over the timeline for easing the sanctions on Iran and the intensity of international inspections. Iran wants an immediate end to all United Nations sanctions and has rejected U.S. demands for inspections of any potential nuclear site, including Iranian military bases. Ahead of the new talks, Secretary of State John Kerry was mum about the deal’s chances.

Secretary of State John Kerry: “As you know, we have set the end of the month as the deadline, and so we will be going into this understanding that time is critical. I can’t tell you whether or not we can get a deal or whether we’re close.”