The fourth round of indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States began on Sunday at noon in the Omani capital, Muscat, under the mediation of the Sultanate of Oman, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

The renewed diplomatic effort comes after previous rounds held on April 12, 19, and 26 in Muscat and Rome, aiming to reach a breakthrough over Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions that have heavily impacted Iran's economy.

Led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, the delegations reconvened after a brief pause caused by reported disagreements over the structure and direction of the talks. The fourth round was initially scheduled for May 3 in Rome but was postponed after Washington reportedly attempted to alter the previously agreed-upon framework.

The talks follow fresh U.S. sanctions targeting companies accused of aiding Iran’s oil and petrochemical trade—moves that Tehran says undermine the credibility of Washington’s engagement.

Araghchi: Iran Committed to Clear, Principled Negotiations

In remarks made before departing Tehran for Muscat, Foreign Minister Araghchi reaffirmed Iran's unwavering stance in the negotiations, stating, “We have moved along a straight path, and our positions are entirely clear. Unfortunately, we hear many contradictory statements from the other side.”

Araghchi criticized the U.S. for what he described as inconsistencies between its public statements and private negotiating positions, a factor he said has complicated the process.

He added that following regional consultations with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Tehran is entering this round with “the hope of reaching a determining point” in the nuclear file.

Iran Reiterates Peaceful Nature of Nuclear Program

As in previous talks, Iran has emphasized that its nuclear program is peaceful and fully within the legal framework of international law. Araghchi reaffirmed that all nuclear activities remain under the monitoring of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), asserting, “This is a right of the Iranian people that is neither up for negotiation nor compromise.”

Uranium Enrichment Remains Sticking Point

According to Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Muscat, a source within the Iranian delegation indicated that Tehran is prepared to provide reassurances regarding the peaceful nature of its program. However, the official warned that Iran would not proceed with further negotiations if the U.S. deviates from agreed-upon frameworks.

The same source identified uranium enrichment as the central obstacle in the ongoing dialogue, with the U.S. seeking tighter restrictions and Iran maintaining its right to pursue nuclear energy for civilian use.

Background: Tense Diplomatic Landscape

The current talks represent the most significant engagement between Tehran and Washington since former President Trump unilaterally withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, a deal which had granted Iran sanctions relief in exchange for curbing its nuclear activities.

Despite staying in compliance for a year post-withdrawal, Iran has since scaled back several JCPOA commitments. Western powers continue to accuse Iran of secretly seeking nuclear weapons capability, an allegation Tehran has consistently rejected as politically motivated.

The latest round of negotiations was reportedly spurred by a letter from President Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, proposing renewed diplomacy while warning of potential consequences should talks fail.

As both sides meet again in Oman, hopes remain cautious for a diplomatic breakthrough, though fundamental disagreements—particularly on uranium enrichment—continue to challenge the path forward. (ILKHA)