Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks to Continue in Rome

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Wednesday that the fourth round of indirect talks with the United States will be held in Rome.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Araghchi said consultations with European countries would take place before the Rome talks, though he claimed these European nations play no meaningful role due to their “incorrect policies.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. imposed new sanctions against Iranian entities and individuals linked to the government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Araghchi called the sanctions “provocative” but confirmed that negotiations would proceed.

Regarding Iran’s frozen assets abroad, Araghchi said the funds are part of the sanctions that must be lifted, without elaborating on access mechanisms or U.S. conditions for their release.

The talks aim to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities in exchange for the potential lifting of sanctions.

The United States on Saturday hailed its latest round of nuclear talks with Iran as “positive and productive,” and said the two sides had agreed to meet again soon in Europe, a senior administration official said.

“This latest round of direct and indirect discussions lasted over four hours. There is still much to do, but further progress was made on getting to a deal,” the official said.

“We agreed to meet again soon, in Europe, and we thank our Omani partners for facilitating these talks.”

Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 per cent purity, above the 3.67 per cent limit set by the 2015 agreement but below the 90 percent needed for weapons-grade material.