Indirect talks between Iran and the United States have been described as “positive,” with efforts underway to schedule a fourth round of negotiations this weekend.
Speaking from Washington on Tuesday, President Trump’s regional envoy Steve Witkoff expressed cautious optimism about the diplomatic process. “We are making some progress,” Witkoff stated. “I hope it is moving in the right direction. The president wants to see this solved diplomatically if possible, so we’re doing everything we can to get it going.”
Iran-US talks ‘positive’; efforts underway to hold 4th round this weekend: Trump’s envoy Witkoffhttps://t.co/tH3sEkJ3YP
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The talks, which began with Omani mediation in Muscat before moving to Rome, were initially scheduled to continue with a fourth round on May 3 in the Italian capital. However, that meeting was postponed, with Witkoff suggesting the delay relates to President Trump’s upcoming Middle East tour to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar next week.
Despite the positive momentum, Witkoff maintained Washington’s hardline stance that “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon” – a position that contradicts Iran’s consistent denial of nuclear weapons ambitions, which the Islamic Republic attributes to moral and religious principles.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly verified Iran’s compliance with peaceful nuclear development, subjecting Tehran to what experts describe as the most rigorous inspection regime of any UN nuclear agency member.
The negotiations face significant hurdles, with Iran firmly establishing non-negotiable principles: the right to enrich uranium domestically and the complete removal of unilateral American sanctions. Tehran has categorically rejected expanding talks to include its defensive capabilities or regional influence.
Nevertheless, both parties have characterized their diplomatic exchanges as productive, with the most recent round described as “constructive” – offering a glimmer of hope in one of the world’s most consequential geopolitical standoffs.
Source: Press TV
