China: 'High possibility' of Obama-Iran nuke deal

David Jackson | USA TODAY

As critics circle around the prospect of a nuclear deal Iran, China's foreign minister said Thursday there is a "high possibility" negotiators will strike a final deal next week.

"Hopefully a consensus can be reached among the parties," foreign minister Wang Yi told reporters.

He added: "We have confidence that finally the parties concerned will arrive at a fair, balanced and just agreement... I think there is high possibility."

The U.S., allies, and Iran are negotiating a deal in which the allies would end sanctions on Iran if it gives up the means to make nuclear weapons.

The parties had struck a June 30 deadline for an agreement, but extended the talks by a week.

While President Obama said a verifiable agreement is the best way to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, though critics -- including Republican presidential candidates -- are prepared to pounce.

On the Townhall.com website, former Florida governor Jeb Bush said he fears the agreement will be "one that legitimizes Iran's authoritarian regime, fills Tehran's dwindling coffers, and fuels Iran's aggression throughout the region – all without requiring the clerics to give up their nuclear weapons ambitions."

Obama told reporters this week he is willing to walk away from a bad agreement.

"If we can't provide assurances that the pathways for Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon are closed, and if ... the verification regime is inadequate, then we're not going to get a deal," Obama said.