Daijiworld Media Network- Tehran
Tehran, May 1: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday confirmed that the fourth round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States—mediated by Oman—will take place in Rome this Saturday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Cabinet meeting in Tehran, Araghchi said the decision to shift the venue from Muscat to the Italian capital was made by Oman due to "technical and logistical reasons." He added that Iran had no objections to the venue, stressing that “what matters to us is the content of the talks and the mediator.”
The upcoming Rome round will continue the efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and facilitate the easing of US-led sanctions on Iran, Xinhua news agency reported.
Ahead of the Rome meeting, Iran will also engage in separate consultations on Friday with the three European signatories of the JCPOA — the United Kingdom, France, and Germany — collectively referred to as the E3.
While Araghchi acknowledged that the E3's influence has diminished due to their alignment with Washington’s hardline stance, he reaffirmed Tehran's readiness to keep Europe in the loop.
He also criticised the US for continuing to impose fresh sanctions on Iran even as negotiations are underway, saying such actions send a "negative signal" and could affect the atmosphere of the talks.
Responding to questions on the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Araghchi clarified that the agency is not involved in the current round of discussions but is expected to play a pivotal role should an agreement be reached.
Iran, he reiterated, is not in favour of prolonged or “attritional” talks and is keen on achieving meaningful progress without unnecessary delays.
The first and third rounds of these indirect talks were previously held in Muscat on April 12 and April 26, while the second round had already taken place in Rome on April 19. The dialogue is being led by Araghchi and US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.