WASHINGTON - The Obama administration says it is exasperated with Iran for holding up new talks with world powers over its disputed nuclear program.

Negotiations had been envisioned for next week. But State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland says the U.S. and its partners have been "surprised that the Iranians keep coming back again and again with new preconditions, new dates and venues."

She says consultations with Iran continue on finding a city and date for a meeting.

The U.S. complaint echoes that of the European Union, which suggested earlier this week that Iran was wilfully delaying the talks.

The U.S. and many other countries fear the Islamic republic may be trying to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran says its program is for peaceful purposes.

© Copyright 2013