Iran’s foreign minister and European Union counterparts are holding talks in an effort to reach a deal over Tehran’s nuclear program before a June 30 deadline.

Foreign Minister Mohamad Javad Zarif is holding private talks with counterparts from Germany and France, before meeting with a group of EU leaders on the sidelines of a meeting on Monday of top EU diplomats in Luxembourg.

Speaking to Iranian state TV, Zarif says all sides in the nuclear talks should avoid “excessive” demands. He noted differences on both technical and political issues.

Iran and six nations — the U.S., Russia, China and EU members Britain, France and Germany — are facing the self-imposed deadline in talks aimed to place curbs on Iran’s nuclear program in return for the lifting of economic sanctions.

(AP)