Iran-US Nuclear Talks Postponed Amid Sanctions and Threats

Tehran – 02 May 2025: The fourth round of Iran nuclear talks with the US has been postponed, according to Iran’s foreign ministry.

The meeting, originally planned for Rome, was jointly delayed by Iran, the US, and facilitator Oman, citing “logistical and technical reasons.” However, the US insisted no date had been confirmed initially.

The postponement follows fresh US sanctions against companies allegedly linked to Tehran’s petrochemical trade. Former US President Donald Trump warned Thursday of secondary sanctions on any entity purchasing Iranian oil.

Trump exited the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in 2018, promising a “better” agreement. The current talks, launched in April, aim to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities in return for sanctions relief.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains committed to diplomacy. “We are more determined than ever to achieve a just and balanced deal,” he posted on X.

A US State Department spokesperson reiterated that the next session would occur “in the near future,” without giving a specific date. Omani officials echoed that sentiment, confirming a new schedule would follow consensus.

Despite optimism, doubts are growing in Tehran. Iranian officials point to new sanctions and US threats as signs of inconsistency. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff reposted a warning from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, targeting Iran’s support for Yemen’s Houthis.

Washington has launched repeated strikes on Houthi forces since their attacks on Red Sea shipping began in response to Israel’s Gaza offensive.

Moreover, Trump’s administration wants Iran to end its enrichment program and support for regional proxies. Tehran insists its program is peaceful and seeks limited enrichment under a sanctions relief deal.