The White House began discussing its options in case of failure to reach a nuclear deal with Iran as faltering talks fueled criticism of PresidentBarack Obamas negotiating strategy.Iranian officials and Secretary of StateJohn Kerrycontinued their quest for an agreement in the Swiss city of Lausanne. But American lawmakers seized on thelack of progress late Wednesdayto renew calls for tough new sanctions.The White House said Mr. Obama is prepared to walk away from the negotiations. Alternatives to diplomacy include stiffer economic sanctions, military action or an extension of the interim agreement with Iran that expires June 30, the White House saidexactly the type of measures that the Obama administration has said the talks were intended to avoid.In the unfortunate circumstance that we could find ourselves in, which is that were not able to reach an agreement, then the president will have to consider that range of options, White House press secretaryJosh Earnestsaid.The six world powers negotiating with Iran missed the deadline Tuesday night toconclude a framework agreementoutlining elements of a final deal to be reached by June 30. That deal would curb Irans ability to make nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief.

Republican senatorsJohn McCainof Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said in a joint statement that it was apparent the talks had failed.Any hope that a nuclear deal will lead Iran to abandon its decades-old pursuit of regional dominance through violence and terror is simply delusional, they said. The Obama administrations failure to recognize and counter this threat has only served to expand Iranian influence.Diplomats involved in Wednesdays talks said they remained stalled on two main points: the pace at which international sanctions on Iran would be scaled back and the future scope of Irans nuclear research and development. Washington and its partners are also pressing Iran for greater access to its nuclear sites.