Iran and U.S. Prepare for Fourth Round of Nuclear Negotiations
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on Friday that the country has agreed to convene the fourth round of nuclear discussions with the United States this Sunday in Oman. Araqchi stated that the talks have been making progress.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously withdrew the United States from the 2015 agreement aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear activities, has warned that military action could be considered if a new agreement is not reached to settle this prolonged dispute.
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy, is scheduled to participate in the negotiations in Oman, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Western nations express concerns that Iran’s nuclear program, which has expanded since the U.S. exited the 2015 deal, is focused on weaponization. On the other hand, Iran maintains that its program is intended solely for peaceful purposes.
Araqchi commented, "The negotiations are progressing. Naturally, as we advance, we will require more discussions and evaluations." He emphasized that the delegations need additional time to address the issues at hand. However, he reassured that they are making strides toward a productive dialogue, gradually exploring the finer points of the negotiations.
In an interview with Breitbart News, Witkoff remarked that Iranian officials claim they have no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons, and the U.S. is prepared to "take them at their word." He added, "If that’s their stance, their enrichment facilities must be dismantled. They cannot retain centrifuges. All existing fuel should be down-blended and transported to a secure location, along with a transition to a civilian program."
The initial date for the fourth round of talks was set for May 3 in Rome, but was postponed for "logistical reasons," according to Oman’s mediators. In a separate announcement, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi confirmed that, following coordination with both Iran and the U.S., the negotiations will take place in Muscat on Sunday.
Araqchi revealed that he plans to visit Qatar and Saudi Arabia on Saturday to engage in ongoing consultations with neighboring nations, aimed at addressing their concerns and mutual interests regarding the nuclear situation.
