WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says it is “an open question” whether international negotiators and Iran can reach a deal over Tehran’s nuclear program. He says that with a deadline looming, the next three to four weeks will be key.

Obama credits sanctions against Iran for prompting Iranian leaders to negotiate seriously. He describes the talks as constructive. But he says some members of the Iranian political elite still have strong anti-American views.

Obama’s remarks during a post-election news conference Wednesday came days before Secretary of State John Kerry is to meet with top diplomats to Iran and the European Union to discuss how to break the years-long deadlock before a Nov. 24 deadline.

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