Will the 4th Round of Indirect Talks with the US Take Place in Rome?

Synopsis
The Iranian Foreign Minister has announced a pivotal fourth round of indirect nuclear talks with the US, set to unfold in Rome. As tensions rise, this meeting spotlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the ongoing quest for stability in the region. Will this round bring any significant breakthroughs?
Key Takeaways
- The fourth round of talks is scheduled for Saturday in Rome.
- Oman is the mediator for these negotiations.
- The focus is on reviving the JCPOA and lifting US sanctions.
- Consultations with European signatories will occur prior to the meeting.
- Tehran is eager for substantial progress, avoiding prolonged discussions.
Tehran, May 1 (NationPress) The Iranian Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, announced that the fourth round of Omani-mediated indirect nuclear discussions between Iran and the US is scheduled to occur in Rome this Saturday, according to media reports.
Araghchi made these statements during a Cabinet meeting in Tehran on Wednesday while addressing inquiries regarding the ongoing negotiations concerning Tehran's nuclear program and the sanctions imposed by Washington.
The Foreign Minister explained that Oman, acting as the host for the talks, chose Rome for the fourth round due to certain technical and logistical considerations, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
He emphasized that the chosen venue is not particularly significant for Iran. “What truly matters to us are the discussions' content and the mediator,” he stated.
In his remarks, Araghchi confirmed that the upcoming round of discussions, as acknowledged by Oman, will take place in the Italian capital, aiming to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and facilitate the lifting of US-led sanctions.
This meeting in Rome will be preceded by a distinct round of consultations between Iran and the three European signatories to the 2015 nuclear agreement—the UK, France, and Germany—scheduled for Friday.
Araghchi noted that while the influence of the E3 has diminished due to their alignment with Washington's pressure tactics, Tehran remains open to engaging with the European partners.
Regarding the hostile measures from the US, including new sanctions against Iran during the negotiations, he remarked that such actions send a negative message.
He added that currently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) does not play a role in the ongoing negotiations, but “will be crucial in the future if an agreement is reached.”
Araghchi reassured that although no definitive timeline is set for the negotiations' conclusion, Iran is not interested in prolonged discussions or wasting time.
The first and third rounds of indirect talks between Iran and the US were held in the Omani capital, Muscat, on April 12 and 26, while the second round took place in Rome on April 19.