Iran, US begin fourth round of talks over nuclear programme

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (left), accompanied by an unidentified Iranian official, upon his arrival in Muscat on Sunday. Pic/AFP

Iran and the United States began a fourth round of negotiations on Sunday over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear programme, officials said, just ahead of a visit by President Donald Trump to the Middle East this week.

The round of talks, again happening in the sultanate of Oman, likely will see Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi mediating. American officials believe the talks will include both indirect and direct portions, as in previous rounds of negotiations, but like the other rounds in Muscat and Rome, details remain scarce.

The talks seek to limit Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for the lifting of some of the crushing economic sanctions the US has imposed on the Islamic Republic, closing in on half a century of enmity. Trump has repeatedly threatened to unleash airstrikes targeting Iran's programme if a deal isn't reached.

Iranian officials increasingly warn that they could pursue a nuclear weapon with their stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. Meanwhile, Israel has threatened to strike Iran's nuclear facilities on their own if it feels threatened.

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