Iran and the US have postponed a fourth round of talks over Tehran’s nuclear programme due to “logistical and technical reasons”. The meeting, scheduled for Rome, was jointly decided by the two countries along with Oman facilitators.
US President Donald Trump had threatened action against those buying Iranian oil or petrochemicals, after introducing fresh sanctions on companies linked to Tehran. Trump has repeatedly stated he would make a “better” deal than his predecessor and warned of military action if talks do not succeed.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the country remains committed to securing a negotiated solution, but growing doubt about the usefulness of talks has emerged. Reports from Tehran describe contradictory positions from the US delegation, including new sanctions targeting Iranian petroleum and petrochemicals.
The US State Department stated that Iran continues to fuel conflict in the Middle East and advance its nuclear program, prompting action against revenue used to fund destabilizing activities. Trump also warned secondary sanctions on any country or person buying oil or petrochemicals from Iran, claiming they would face “immediate” consequences.
Iran has rejected the sanctions as proof of US contradictory behavior and a lack of good faith. The Houthis’ support for Yemen’s conflict has also been mentioned, with warnings from the US that Iran will “pay the consequence” if it continues to back the group.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cze1zpnl1eeo