Fourth Round of US-Iran Nuclear Talks Postponed for Technical Reasons
Tehran says Washington attempted to alter previously agreed framework; both sides reiterate commitment to diplomacy
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The fourth round of indirect nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, originally scheduled to be held in Rome, has been postponed, Iranian sources told Al Mayadeen on Thursday. The delay comes amid mounting tensions over the direction and framework of the diplomatic efforts.
Iran Accuses US of Shifting Agreed Framework
Sources close to the Iranian delegation said the postponement was primarily due to the conflicting positions within the US administration regarding the negotiations.
The US, according to Iranian officials, has attempted to modify the general framework of the talks, which had already been mutually agreed upon in earlier rounds.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the delay, stating that the decision was made "together with Omani and US interlocutors" for "logistical and technical reasons."
Iran: Commitment to a Balanced Deal Remains Firm
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s unwavering commitment to reaching a negotiated solution, asserting:
"In fact, we are more determined than ever to achieve a just and balanced deal — guaranteeing an end to sanctions and creating confidence that Iran’s nuclear program will forever remain peaceful while ensuring that Iranian rights are fully respected."
US: Talks to Resume Soon
Responding to the delay, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters that the weekend meeting had never been confirmed, but that Washington anticipates talks will resume soon.
"We expect another round of talks that will take place in the near future," Bruce stated during a press briefing.
EU-Iran Talks Also Postponed
In a separate development, sources revealed that scheduled talks between Iran and the European troika (the UK, France, and Germany), initially set for Friday, have also been postponed.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the meeting will be rescheduled once all parties reach a new agreement on timing.
Iran: New Date Hinges on US Behavior
A senior Iranian official, speaking to Reuters, said that any new date for the fourth round will depend on the US approach going forward.
"US sanctions on Iran during the nuclear talks are not helping the sides to resolve the nuclear dispute through diplomacy," the official noted.
Over the past month, Washington and Tehran have re-engaged in indirect negotiations aimed at reaching a limited deal to scale back Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanction relief. The process, facilitated by Oman, marks the most significant diplomatic effort since the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) began to unravel following the US withdrawal in 2018.
Despite current setbacks, both sides have signaled continued willingness to pursue diplomacy to avoid further escalation. (PW)
Source: Al-Mayadeen