Iran has reiterated its unwavering commitment to its inalienable right to peaceful nuclear energy, as a fourth round of indirect negotiations with the United States took place on Sunday in the Omani capital, Muscat.

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, who accompanied the Iranian negotiating team, emphasized Tehran’s stance on nuclear sovereignty under the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). “Iran is firmly determined to pursue its inalienable lawful rights for peaceful uses of nuclear energy under the NPT,” Baghaei stated in a message from Muscat.

He added that Iran remains open to diplomatic efforts to demonstrate the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, which continues to be monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “We are fully prepared to continue our diplomatic engagement,” he said.

Baghaei also condemned what he described as “unlawful and inhuman sanctions” imposed on Iran by Western powers, particularly the United States, noting that their removal remains a key demand in the negotiations. “We are equally resolved to work for termination of unlawful and inhuman sanctions that have long been imposed on our people,” he asserted.

Sunday’s session marked the fourth round of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington, aimed at reviving nuclear diplomacy and easing the severe economic sanctions that have gripped Iran since the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) under President Donald Trump.

The talks are being held under the mediation of Oman, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi once again playing a central role in facilitating dialogue.

The Iranian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the U.S. team is headed by Steven Witkoff, the Biden administration’s Special Envoy to the Middle East. The format mirrors previous rounds held in Muscat and Rome.

Both sides have maintained indirect contact, using Omani mediation to convey proposals and responses. The dialogue comes amid growing international concern over rising tensions and the stalled nuclear file, with Europe and regional stakeholders urging a return to the negotiating table.

While no formal breakthrough has been announced, Iranian officials stress that their nuclear program is strictly for civilian use, and that their current uranium enrichment and nuclear research activities remain within the bounds of international law.

As talks continue, attention remains focused on whether U.S. and Iranian negotiators can reach a roadmap toward lifting sanctions and restoring elements of the JCPOA — or whether another round of talks will end in deadlock. (ILKHA)