Western diplomats on Tuesday noted progress in resolving an impasse on Iran's nuclear deal, a day after both sides failed to meet the deadline for a comprehensive settlement that would effectively curb Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iran and the P5+1 - Britain, China, Germany, France, Russia and the U.S. - hope to reach an accord on the deal's political terms by March next year but they have until June to finalize the details.

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According to the Wall Street Journal, western officials said their main concern is tied to the length of time Iran is able to manufacture enough nuclear fuel to create an atomic bomb.

Iran has long-argued that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful initiatives but the West is seeking assurances it would take Tehran at least a year to build a bomb, should it decide to do so.

Before nuclear talks had ended on Monday, officials said both sides began working towards increasing transparency with regard to Iran's technical and physical capacities for enriched uranium, a key component in the creation of a nuclear bomb.

Officials also said Iran had agreed to grant the United Nations access to its facilities linked to nuclear fuel production, particularly those involved in the manufacture of centrifuges.

Tehran has likewise acquiesced to hold off the next phase of testing of advanced centrifuges, a move of good faith that signals Iran's willingness not to take advantage of the time extension to make significant breakthroughs in the technology.

U.S. representatives have acknowledged that Iran's show of good faith is central to gaining domestic and international favor, noting American lawmakers back home who are keen on imposing additional sanctions against Tehran.

Other issues that have hampered progress on nuclear talks, including the speed with which economic sanctions will be eased, were also tacked. However, advances on the issue of uranium enrichment will likely be key to moving talks forward.

Given the new ideas put on the table, Kerry and Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif expressed hope that a final agreement on a nuclear deal would be reached in time for next year's deadline. 

TagsIran nuclear program, P5+1, Nuclear talks deadline, Wall Street Journal, nuclear talks, nuclear weapons development