Iran not to stand threats despite commitment to diplomacy
4th round of nuclear talks with US postponed due to ‘logistical reasons’
Iran reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy to resolve a long-running “unnecessary and artificial crisis” over its nuclear program while saying that it does not put up with threats and pressure.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Iranian negotiators have laid out the legitimate positions and demands of the country during the last three rounds of negotiations with the US on its nuclear program, adding that they have diligently worked toward reaching a “fair, reasonable, and lasting agreement.”
The statement said that Iran does not tolerate approaches based on pressure and threats – all of which violate the principles of the UN Charter and international law and are designed to undermine Iran’s national interests and violate the rights of the Iranian people.
“In this regard, Iran strongly condemns the continuation of illegal sanctions and pressure on its trade and economic partners, viewing it as further proof of the Iranian people’s well-founded distrust and deep suspicion regarding the US’ seriousness in pursuing diplomacy” it said.
New anti-Iran sanctions
Despite the three rounds of Iran-US negotiations, Washington has continued to impose new sanctions on Iran.
On Wednesday, the US imposed sanctions on entities it accused of involvement in the trade of Iranian oil and petrochemicals.
The sanctions are the latest round imposed by the administration of President Donald Trump on Iran since February, when he reimposed his so-called maximum pressure campaign on Tehran in his second term in office.
Separately, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran that it would face consequences for supporting the Ansarullah resistance group in Yemen, who have attacked Israeli-bound ships in the Red Sea in what the group says is solidarity with the Palestinians.
Trump also said on Thursday that all purchases of Iranian oil or petrochemical products must stop and any country or person buying any from the country would be immediately subject to secondary sanctions.
“They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form,” he wrote on Truth Social on Thursday.
Trump’s comments followed the postponement of the fourth round of talks between the two countries, which had been due to take place in Rome on Saturday.
Iran-US talks postponed
“Together with Omani and US interlocutors, we have decided to postpone the 4th round of talks for logistical and technical reasons,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X late Thursday.
“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.
In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said a meeting in Rome on Saturday between the United States and Iran had never been confirmed.
“We expect another round of talks that will take place in the near future,” Bruce said.
Iranian diplomats had also been due to meet in Rome on Friday with representatives of Britain, France and Germany.
However, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the talks will not now take place.
“A technical meeting was planned prior to... (the) meeting between the United States and Iran,” Barrot said in an interview.
“Since that meeting is not taking place, the technical meeting is no longer relevant, at least at that time,” Barrot added.
Mediated by Oman, Iran and the US have held three rounds of talks in Muscat and Rome on April 12, 19, and 26 with the aim of reaching a deal on Iran’s nuclear program and the removal of sanctions on Tehran.
Both parties have so far expressed satisfaction with the way the negotiations are moving on, praising the talks as “positive” and “moving forward.”