Washington ( CNN ) -- The United States and Iran are adding a new round of senior-level talks about the latter 's nuclear program , discussions separate from the so-called P5+1 process continuing in Vienna . The increase of diplomatic effort comes as an interim agreement reached between Iran and the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council nears its end . That deal eased some economic sanctions in return for Iran rolling back parts of its nuclear program , which the United States and others believe is designed to produce a weapon . Iran says its nuclear intentions are peaceful . Major disagreements on a comprehensive agreement remain , a senior administration official told CNN on Saturday . The new talks appear to be a push to see whether roadblocks can be overcome . `` We believe we need to engage in as much active diplomacy as we can to test whether we can reach a diplomatic solution with Iran on its nuclear program , '' the official said . `` These consultations come at an important juncture of the negotiations , and they will give us a timely opportunity to exchange views in the context of the next P5+1 round in Vienna . '' The added talks are not a substitute for the P5+1 process , the official said . P5+1 consists of the United States , China , Russia , Britain , France and Germany . A look at Iran 's nuclear capabilities . UN nuclear inspectors head to Iran as compliance deadline nears .
The U.S. and Iran will engage in additional bilateral talks . Diplomatic pressure increases as an interim period nears its end . Talks are not a substitute for the P5 + 1 agreement , an official says .