Iran – USA: Talks to Be Held Again in Oman, Not Italy

Italy has expressed willingness to host the second round of so-called “indirect talks” between the United States and Iran only on the condition that they take place “exclusively under the auspices of the Italian government.” As Tehran insisted on holding a new round of talks at the Omani embassy in Rome, Italy refused to extend its hospitality.

While in Osaka, Japan, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said he believes his country is still capable of being a place of encounter, dialog, and peace: “We support all initiatives that can lead to conflict resolution, including dialogue on reducing the nuclear threat,” the Italian diplomatic chief stressed.

Following the Italian Foreign Ministry’s refusal, Iran and the USA tentatively agreed to meet again in Muscat, the capital of Oman. On Saturday, April 12, Oman had already hosted US and Iranian delegations for the first meeting in indirect talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Late Monday night, April 14, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said that “as a result of consultations, it was decided to hold the next round of talks in the Omani capital on April 19.”