The foreign minister of Oman, Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi, announced on social media that the fourth round of talks between the United States and Iran regarding Iran’s nuclear program has been postponed. This announcement came just days before the talks were set to start in Rome on May 3rd.
Al-Busaidi mentioned that the postponement was due to logistical reasons and that new dates would be shared once both parties agree. He has previously facilitated three rounds of discussions, with the first taking place in Muscat, Oman, on April 12, followed by meetings in Rome and a return to Muscat for a third round on April 26. The U.S. has claimed there has been progress in these discussions, but underlying tensions between the two countries remain.
The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, while Iran insists its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes. Trump has hinted that the U.S. seeks to dismantle Iran’s nuclear enrichment entirely. Recently, U.S. officials have made aggressive moves, including sanctions against entities trading Iranian oil, which they claim supports terrorism.
Before the postponement was announced, Iran accused the U.S. of contradictory behavior in the negotiations. An Iranian official stated that U.S. sanctions during the talks are hindering diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear dispute. Reports suggest that the U.S. had not fully committed to participating in the upcoming talks, although further negotiations are expected soon.
The U.S. has a long history of trying to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. This effort included the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which provided Iran with relief from sanctions in exchange for limiting its nuclear activities. However, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the deal in 2018, leading to increased tensions and a renewed campaign of pressure against Iran.
Despite the current climate, Trump has expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a deal with Iran. He has even indicated a willingness to meet with Iranian leaders directly, hoping to find common ground.