.jpeg)
US-Iran Talks Postponed Amid Tensions Over Sanctions and Diplomacy
DUBAI (Reuters) – A planned fourth round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, originally scheduled for Saturday in Rome, has been postponed, with the timing of the next session contingent on Washington's stance, a senior Iranian official said on Thursday.
"The continuation of US sanctions during the negotiation process is not helping to resolve the nuclear dispute diplomatically," the official told Reuters. "Depending on the US approach, the date of the next round of talks will be announced."
Oman, which has previously mediated discussions between the two sides, said the May 3 meeting was being rescheduled due to “logistical reasons.” However, a source familiar with the matter noted that Washington had never formally confirmed its participation in the planned Rome session. The source added that a new time and venue are expected to be determined soon.
The delay comes amid escalating tensions, with Iran accusing the US of “contradictory behavior and provocative statements” following Washington's recent warning to Tehran over its support for Yemen’s Houthi rebels and the imposition of new oil-related sanctions.
Despite the strain, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran remains committed to “serious and resolute” participation in negotiations aimed at tangible results.
US President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action should diplomacy falter, remains optimistic about reaching a new agreement to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Since February, Trump has reasserted a “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran, reversing the 2015 nuclear accord he withdrew from in 2018 and reinstating harsh economic sanctions.
Following the US exit from the deal, Iran has significantly exceeded the enrichment limits imposed by the 2015 agreement. While the US and European powers express concern over potential weaponization, Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is strictly for peaceful purposes.
In a separate meeting, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Iran would also hold discussions with Britain, France, and Germany in Rome on Friday to address tensions over the nuclear issue and broader regional dynamics.
#Breaking news update "fresh.fox news. newspaper trending news.
