Today's US-Iran nuclear talks in Rome cancelled; Donald Trump threatens more sanctions
A fourth round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States scheduled for today in Rome has been postponed, with both sides citing “logistical and technical reasons” for the delay. The discussions were part of ongoing efforts to revive or renegotiate the 2015 nuclear agreement that collapsed after Donald Trump withdrew the US from the deal in 2018.
The first and third rounds of talks had taken place in Muscat, Oman, while the second occurred in Rome at the residence of the Omani ambassador. Oman, a long-standing mediator between Washington and Tehran, confirmed that all parties—Iran, the US and Oman—agreed to delay the talks, with a new date yet to be set.
The Vatican’s upcoming conclave to select a successor to the late Pope Francis was among the factors complicating arrangements in Rome. However, the US State Department insisted that no final date or venue had been confirmed. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters that the US had not committed to participating in a fourth round of talks with Iran despite reports to the contrary. "The United States was never confirmed to be participating in a fourth round of talks with Iran, which people had believed were Saturday in Rome," said Bruce at a news conference on May 1. “We expect another round of talks that will take place in the near future.”
Leading the US delegation is Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, while Iran’s team is headed by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, writing on X that Iran remains determined to achieve “a just and balanced deal” that guarantees the end of sanctions and ensures international trust in the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.
Notwithstanding the reassuring statements, the region continues to be tense. For instance, the last round of talks on August 26 coincided with a deadly explosion at an Iranian port, which left over 70 people dead and more than 1,000 injured, raising uncertainty about the peace prospects, especially after some commentators and politicians expressed doubt that Israel might have had a role behind the explosion.
Adding to the woes, the US has imposed fresh sanctions against companies accused of transporting Iranian oil and petrochemicals. The latest move is part of the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign to target Iran’s economy and downgrade its influence in the region. In a statement, the US State Department accused Iran of fuelling conflict, expanding its nuclear capabilities, and supporting “terrorist partners and proxies”.
Trump issued a stern warning on his Truth Social platform: “Any country or person who buys any amount of oil or petrochemicals from Iran will be subject to, immediately, secondary sanctions. They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form.”
The threats raise questions about enforcement, particularly as China remains Iran’s primary oil customer. According to US Energy Information Administration data from late 2023, China accounted for nearly 90 per cent of Iran’s crude oil and condensate exports. At the same time, Trump’s imposition of 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods has already strained US-China relations, making the threat of secondary sanctions even more provocative.
In addition to nuclear concerns, Washington has pressed Iran to end its support for regional proxy groups, including Yemen’s Houthi rebels. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tehran that it would “pay the consequence” for its backing of the Houthis, a message reposted by Witkoff. These groups, aligned with Iran, have declared themselves part of an “axis of resistance” against Israel and Western powers.
Iran has dismissed the recent sanctions as “unlawful and inhumane”, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei calling them violations of international law and human rights. Baghaei also accused the US of inconsistent and provocative behaviour that undermines progress at the negotiating table.
Nevertheless, both sides have stressed their continued willingness to pursue diplomacy. President Massoud Pezeshkian of Iran has centred his economic agenda on sanctions relief, while Araghchi insists Iran is still committed to a negotiated outcome.
Despite the uncertainties, the talks are not believed to have collapsed. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi indicated that a new meeting date would be set once all sides agree. For now, the future of diplomacy remains uncertain, especially as tensions escalate over sanctions, regional conflicts and global energy markets.
Middle East