Next round of US-Iran nuclear likely to take place in Oman this weekend

An unnamed Iranian official has been quoted by state media as saying the fourth round of nuclear negotiations with the United States could take place over the weekend in the capital of Oman.

While the timing has not yet been finalised, the source said discussions will take place in Muscat over two days.

Speaking on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said Tehran’s principles and framework for participating in nuclear negotiations remain unchanged.

He said it remains committed to continuing “the path of dialogue and diplomacy” in talks with Washington.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Iran if no agreement is reached with his administration to resolve the long-standing dispute.

“The threat posed by the [bellicose forces in the US] against Iran will undoubtedly prompt the Iranian armed forces to spare no effort and stay on high alert against any aggression or adventurism,” said Baghaei.

During his previous term in office, Trump pulled the United States out of a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers, leaving the agreement in tatters.

Western countries say Iran’s nuclear programme is geared towards producing weapons,  whereas Tehran insists it is purely for civilian purposes.

The delegations of Iran and the United States have so far held three rounds of indirect negotiations with mediation from Oman.

The fourth round, which was scheduled for 3 May in Rome, was postponed to an unspecified date owing to what Oman described as “logistical reasons”.