Fourth round of nuclear talks between United States and Iran initially scheduled for Saturday has been postponed due to “technical and logistical reasons.” Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi announced on X.

decision made jointly by US, Iranian, and Omani negotiators, comes as Washington imposed fresh sanctions on Iran’s energy sector, intensifying tensions. No new date for the talks has been set, though al-Busaidi said it would be determined by mutual agreement.

On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions targeting seven entities involved in Iran’s oil and petrochemical trade accusing them of funding “terrorist activities and proxies.”

Move part of President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign, aims to curb Iran’s oil exports. Particularly to China which accounted for nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports in 2023.

Trump escalated the rhetoric Thursday, threatening secondary sanctions on nations purchasing Iranian oil, a move that risks further straining US-China relations.

Iran condemned the sanctions as “contradictory behavior” undermining good-faith negotiations. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes and has long denied pursuing nuclear weapons.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an X post Thursday reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to a “just and balanced deal.” That lifts sanctions and recognizes its peaceful nuclear ambitions.

Since Trump took office in January, Washington and Tehran have held three rounds of indirect talks in Muscat and Rome, mediated by Oman. Both sides described the discussions as “constructive,” with expert-level negotiations in third round focusing on potential framework to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

Iranian negotiators, led by Araghchi, aim to restore elements of 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Trump abandoned in 2018.

However, US seeks to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons with some administration officials pushing for complete dismantlement of Iran’s enrichment program. Iran considers halting uranium enrichment or surrendering its stockpile non-negotiable “red lines.”

Tehran currently enriches uranium to 60% purity, close to 90% needed for weapons-grade material. And holds enough to potentially produce multiple bombs, according to International Atomic Energy Agency.

Diplomatic and Economic Stakes

Iran’s economy, battered by sanctions, faces severe challenges with rial losing 95% of its value since 2018. President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration has prioritized sanctions relief to stabilize the economy. Despite postponement, Araghchi emphasized Tehran’s determination to negotiate, signaling openness to diplomacy to avoid military escalation.

US faces pressure from allies like Israel which opposes any deal allowing Iran to retain nuclear capabilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has advocated for “Libyan model” of total nuclear dismantlement proposal Tehran rejects.

Meanwhile, Biden administration’s failure to revive JCPOA and Trump’s renewed hardline stance complicate prospects for a breakthrough.

Regional and Global Implications

The delay coincides with heightened regional volatility including ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. Houthi attacks in Red Sea and Syria’s political transition.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran over its support for Yemen’s Houthis, hinting at military consequences. Iran cautioned neighboring countries hosting US bases against involvement in potential attacks. Underscoring the risk of broader conflict in an oil-rich region.

Read more: Israel Strikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace Amid Druze Clashes

Analysts warn that while both sides appear committed to avoiding war new sanctions and differing objectives. Washington’s focus on non-proliferation versus Tehran’s demand for sanctions relief—could stall progress.

upcoming visit of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to Iran may provide clarity on inspection protocols, a key sticking point. For now, postponement reflects the delicate balance of diplomacy and distrust shaping US-Iran relations.