The latest round of US-Iranian nuclear talks has been postponed due to logistical reasons, according to Oman’s foreign minister, amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States over their nuclear program and economic sanctions.
Oman Postpones US-Iran Nuclear Talks Due to Logistical Reasons
The latest round of US–Iranian nuclear talks, scheduled for this weekend, has been postponed due to ‘logistical reasons,’ according to Oman’s foreign minister. The talks were set to take place at the Omani embassy in Rome on Saturday.
The Oman-US Iran talks refer to a series of secret diplomatic efforts facilitated by the Sultanate of Oman between the United States and Iran in 2013-2015.
The talks aimed to resolve the 'Iranian nuclear crisis' , with Oman playing a key role as an intermediary.
The negotiations led to a temporary agreement, but ultimately failed to yield a lasting solution.
The talks demonstrate the importance of diplomatic efforts in resolving international conflicts.
Background and Objectives of the Talks
The US–Iranian nuclear talks aim to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting some of the economic sanctions imposed on Tehran by the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff led the negotiations. The US President has repeatedly threatened to launch airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear program if a deal isn’t reached.
The US-Iran nuclear talks have been ongoing since 2006, with the goal of limiting Iran's nuclear program.
The talks have been facilitated by several countries, including the EU and the P5+1 group (US, UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany).
In 2015, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed, which imposed limits on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.
However, in 2018, the US withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed sanctions on Iran.
Postponement of Talks
Oman’s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, announced the postponement on Thursday, stating that new dates will be announced when mutually agreed upon. A US source familiar with the talks told AP and Reuters that America had ‘never confirmed its participation‘ in a fourth round of talks in Rome.
Tensions Between Iran and the US
The US–Iran tensions have escalated recently, with Washington imposing new oil-related sanctions and warning Tehran of consequences for supporting Yemen’s Houthis. The Iranian government has accused the US of ‘contradictory behavior and provocative statements.’ Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran of repercussions for backing the Houthi rebels.
The US-Iran tensions refer to a series of diplomatic and military conflicts between the United States and Iran, dating back to the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
Key events include the hostage crisis in 1979-1981, the Iraq-Iran War (1980-1988), and the JCPOA nuclear deal in 2015.
Tensions escalated in 2020 with the US drone strike killing General Qasem Soleimani, leading to Iran's retaliatory missile strikes on US military bases in Iraq.
Reactions from Both Sides
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei issued a statement describing the talks as ‘postponed at the request of Oman’s foreign minister.‘ He said Iran remained committed to reaching ‘a fair and lasting agreement.’ The US source stated that America expects the talks to take place ‘in the near future.‘
The latest round of US–Iranian nuclear talks has been postponed due to logistical reasons, according to Oman’s foreign minister. The postponement comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States over their nuclear program and economic sanctions.
