The US and five other countries trying to reach a nuclear programme deal with Iran are set to extend the talks, according to diplomats.

Officials taking part in the meeting in Austria are said to be turning away from attempting to reach an agreement by tomorrow's deadline and have started internal discussions on extending the talks.

The decision comes less than two days before the deadline for a deal attempting to cap Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for lifting sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Two diplomats told The Associated Press today that formal extension discussions have not yet started with Iran.

But the US, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany have started talks among themselves on approaches they could present to Tehran.

At the same time, formal talks with Iran on bridging the differences are continuing.

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