Fourth round of US-Iran talks in Rome were never confirmed, State Department says
The United States has not confirmed its participation in a fourth round of denuclearization talks with Iran this weekend, despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise. According to the State Department, spokesperson Tammy Bruce clarified that the U.S. was never officially scheduled to engage in talks with Iran in Rome on Saturday. However, she mentioned that another round of discussions is expected to take place soon.
The U.S. has been actively involved in negotiations with Iranian officials, with meetings held once in Rome and twice in Oman. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is leading the negotiations on behalf of President Donald Trump, aiming to secure a deal that prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Iran and the U.S. have initiated talks to address Tehran’s advancing nuclear program. Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi, who is facilitating the negotiations, announced that the talks had been postponed for logistical reasons.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding the talks, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to reaching a fair and lasting agreement. Iran is seeking the lifting of U.S. sanctions, while the Trump administration insists on verifiable evidence that Iran has ceased uranium enrichment before any sanctions are lifted.
President Trump has issued warnings of potential military strikes against Iran if the negotiations do not progress as desired. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently conveyed a stern message to Iran regarding its support for the Houthis, emphasizing that Iran would face consequences for its actions.
Following last week’s talks, a U.S. official described the discussions as positive and productive, indicating that progress was made towards reaching a deal. The parties agreed to reconvene in Europe for further negotiations, acknowledging the role of Omani partners in facilitating the talks.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that the recent negotiations were more serious and detailed than previous discussions. While significant strides have been made, disagreements persist on major issues and specific details.
In conclusion, the U.S. and Iran continue to navigate complex negotiations aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The discussions remain ongoing, with both parties expressing a commitment to finding a mutually agreeable solution. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
