Iran and six world powers have broken off nuclear talks in Lausanne.

Negotiations were suspended so the Iranian delegates could attend the funeral of President Rohani’s mother.

The March 31 deadline for a deal is edging ever closer with little progress over Tehran’s atomic research and the lifting of Western sanctions.

In Lausanne euronews reporter Reihaneh Mazaheri explained:

“The intensive negotiations ended after six days without any clear conclusion. The Iranian foreign minister says he will return to Lausanne along with his deputies to resume the talks next week.”

The US said the talks were an historic opportunity on the advent of Iranian New Year.

“We hope that this is a year that can bring us progress and peace,” said US Secretary of State John Kerry.

“This new day will be a new day for the entire world, a new era for greater understanding and peace,” Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif responded.

In the meantime the US secretary of state is heading to