TEHRAN – The scheduled event, Saturday, the fourth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the US, has been postponed, with the Islamic Republic reiterating its unwavering commitment to its company and diplomatic resolutions.
In the face of an escalating political instability and a opposing rhetoric escalating, Tehran continues to emphasize dialogue and justice.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut announced late Thursday that consultations in Rome had been postponed in conjunction with us and Omani mediators for “logistical and technical reasons.” However, the broader picture points to reinforce the internal discord of Washington and questioning the seriousness and consistency of the US approach.
“There is no change in Iran’s resolve to reach a negotiated solution,” writes Araguchi of X.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeir Baghhai emphasized Iran’s principled approach and described negotiations as “consequence-oriented,” which is perfectly consistent with international law. He emphasized Iran’s good faith consultations and set out a clear legal framework for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the lifting of illegal and inhumane sanctions.
Since April, three rounds of negotiations mediated by Oman have been held in Rome and Muscat, initially celebrating both sides as constructive.
But while Iran maintains a unified diplomatic side, the American political scene is sending mixed signals.
In a massive reform, US President Donald Trump rejected national security adviser Mike Waltz on Thursday and appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his interim replacement. Trump announced via social media that Waltz would be nominated as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, calling him a “patriot” who calls “American interests first.”
This modification will be added to increasing uncertainty about the direction of US foreign policy, particularly Rubio, who acts in a dual role, using his first statement following the announcement to lay out the toughest assumptions for nuclear negotiations. “Iran has to move away from uranium enrichment and development of long-range missiles,” Rubio said. “And that has to accept American inspections of the facility.”
In addition to growing hostility, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses joined social media to issue threats to Iran, repeating unfounded allegations of Iran’s support for Yemen’s resistance. Ignoring Washington’s own military and political failures in the region, Heggs warned that “you will pay the price in the place and place we have chosen.”
What further complicates the photograph is that former real estate lawyer and investor Steve Witkoff is currently working as Trump’s envoy in West Asia. Witkov reportedly took on an informal role as Trump’s personal channel against Russian President Vladimir Putin. The hardlines within the Trump administration are not fans of him, sources told the Tehran Times. In particular, Rubio believes that instead of pursuing a contract with Iran, Washington must launch a military strike against the country on a mission Trump entrusted with Witkov.
Another group of American officials and former senior officials who are not satisfied with nuclear negotiations are Democrats. They don’t want Trump to sign a deal with Iran after unraveling the Barack Obama nuclear deal in 2018, as the Tehran Times previously revealed.
Meanwhile, the Tehran Times reported on Thursday that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi submitted a “misleading” report to the US on Iran’s nuclear program, seeking to negatively affect consultations by acting under pressure from European powers.
By presenting misleading reports to the United States, Grossi aims to create a false impression of the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activity. He also appears to be seeking his own political role in the negotiation process.
Despite provocation, diplomatic turmoil and changing faces in Washington, Iran continues to be committed to dialogue, legality and diplomacy. “The Islamic Republic will continue its path with strength and determination,” Baghey said in his X account.