Iran: We are more determined than ever

In a message shared on his X social media account regarding the postponement of negotiations with the US, Araghchi stated, "Together with our Omani and American counterparts, we have decided to postpone the 4th round of talks due to logistical and technical reasons."

The Iranian minister assessed, "There is no change in our determination to reach a negotiated solution. In fact, we are more determined than ever to reach a fair and balanced agreement."

NEGOTIATION PROCESS

US President Donald Trump, who unilaterally withdrew his country from the nuclear deal with Iran in 2018, had sent a letter to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in March calling for direct nuclear negotiations with Iran, which also contained threats.

Iran had responded to the letter via Oman.

Following the exchange of letters, Tehran and Washington held indirect talks first in Oman on April 12, and subsequently in Rome and again in Oman at one-week intervals.

PROGRESS REPORTED

It had been announced that the fourth round of negotiations would be held in Rome on May 3. Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi, who is mediating the talks, announced on his X social media account yesterday that the negotiation had been postponed due to "logistical reasons."

SANCTIONS

The Washington administration announced yesterday that, as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, it had imposed sanctions on a total of 7 companies involved in the sale of Iranian oil, four of which are located in the United Arab Emirates and one in Turkey.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also stated in a message shared on his social media account under the heading "Message to Iran," "We see your lethal support for the Houthis. We know exactly what you are doing. You know very well what the US military is capable of, and you have been warned. You will pay the price at a time and place of our choosing."

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused the US of engaging in "contradictory actions and provocative statements" while negotiations between the two countries are ongoing.

News Source: AA