Iran Nuclear Talks Deadline Extended


30 June, 2015

Negotiations on Iran's nuclear program have been extended until July 7, U.S. officials said Tuesday. The announcement came during continuing discussions in Vienna, Austria.

The negotiations were to end June 30.

Also Tuesday, U.S. President Barack Obama said that the United States would "walk away" from a possible nuclear deal with Iran if he is not certain it would block Iran's path to building a nuclear weapon.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, awaits the start of a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, second from right, after his return from Iran for international negotiations on nuclear policy in Vienna, Austria, June 30, 2015.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, awaits the start of a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, second from right, after his return from Iran for international negotiations on nuclear policy in Vienna, Austria, June 30, 2015.

US, Brazil to work together on climate change

President Obama and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff met at the White House Tuesday. They discussed new plans to reduce carbon emissions ahead of the United Nations conference on climate change. The international gathering will take place in December in Paris.

Both countries pledged to increase the use of renewable energy to 20 percent of national electricity production by 2030. Brazil also promised to fight illegal destruction of forests.

China announces climate target for Paris deal

China also announced on Tuesday its contribution to a global climate deal.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang spoke during a visit to the French capital. He said China will aim to reduce its emissions by at least 60 percent by 2030 from 2005 levels.

Ebola returns to Liberia

A 17-year-old boy has died in Liberia from the disease Ebola. The World Health Organization declared the country free of the virus seven weeks ago. Officials are trying to learn how the boy became infected.

A health official in Liberia told VOA the boy died June 24 and was given a safe burial the next day.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie enters presidential race

The governor of the U.S. state of New Jersey announced Tuesday that he is seeking the Republican Party nomination for president. Chris Christie promised to make what he called "a noble effort to try to lead our country and to change the world."

Governor Christie is the 14th candidate for the Republican Party nomination. Americans will choose a president in November of next year.

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Words in the News

emissions – n. the act of producing or sending out something (such as energy or gas) from a source

pledge –v. to formally promise to give or do (something)

contribution – n. something that is done to cause something to happen

noble – adj. having, showing, or coming from personal qualities that people admire