Iran, the United States, and Oman have postponed the fourth round of nuclear negotiations owing to what Tehran described as “logistical and technical issues”, according to Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
The development comes barely a day after Washington imposed fresh sanctions on Tehran, seen by analysts as retaliation for Iran’s continued support to the Houthi rebels, who are engaged in simultaneous conflict with both the US Navy and Israeli forces in the Red Sea region.
The recent tensions have been exacerbated by reports that an American F-18 fighter jet skidded off the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier following a drone attack. Though the US has not confirmed details, defence observers suggest it marks a significant escalation.
Despite this, Tehran reiterated its commitment to a negotiated outcome. In a statement posted on X, Araghchi said, “On Iran’s part, there is no change in our determination to secure a negotiated solution.”
“In fact, we are more determined than ever to achieve a just and balanced deal, guaranteeing an end to sanctions and creating confidence that Iran’s nuclear program will forever remain peaceful while ensuring that Iranian rights are fully respected,” he added.
The discussions were being held in Muscat and were facilitated by Oman, a frequent diplomatic intermediary between Tehran and Washington. Prior to the anticipated fourth round, US Special Envoy Steven Witkoff and US Ambassador to Oman Ana Escrogima met with Araghchi in the Omani capital. The talks were hosted by Oman’s Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi.
Following those exchanges, both sides had issued a joint statement calling the dialogue “positive and constructive”, with the US expressing gratitude to Oman for facilitating the initiative.
According to Iranian state media, the preliminary talks involved the exchange of detailed positions on Tehran’s nuclear programme and sanctions relief. Both sets of communications were channelled through Minister Al Busaidi, underscoring Muscat’s role as a neutral ground for sensitive diplomacy.
The talks in Oman marked the first serious diplomatic overture in years, after the United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 under President Donald Trump. Despite that history, Iranian negotiators say they are still offering diplomacy “a genuine chance”.
Officials in Tehran have indicated that their willingness to re-engage is contingent upon Washington demonstrating “resolve and goodwill”. Saturday’s now-shelved session was seen by the Iranian side as a test of US intentions.
However, doubts continue to mount in Tehran over Washington’s true objectives. Iranian officials and commentators have raised concerns that the US, in coordination with Israel, might be considering military action as a fallback option. They have cited Israel’s temporary ceasefire in Gaza—reportedly used to regroup before fresh assaults—as evidence of deceptive tactics.
Iran has responded by reinforcing its nuclear infrastructure. Analysts suggest this is a move based on fears that the diplomatic overtures are being used by the US and its allies to buy time ahead of a coordinated military strike.
“It remains unclear whether the US is interested in the negotiations or will consider striking Iran's nuclear facilities with the assistance of Israel,” one Iranian official remarked, reflecting Tehran’s suspicion of Western intentions.
While both Tehran and Washington claim to have kept “all options on the table,” the current climate raises doubts about the future of the nuclear talks and the fragile state of regional diplomacy.
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