Fourth round of US-Iran nuclear talks to be held in Europe on May 3

ISTANBUL: The fourth round of nuclear talks between the United States (US) and Iran will take place on May 3 in Europe, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported, quoting Axios on Saturday.

Axios, citing a US official, reported that the third round of discussions held in Oman was described as "positive and productive," lasting over four hours and involving both direct and indirect engagement.

"There is still much to do, but further progress was made on getting to a deal," the US official said.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi had earlier announced that Washington and Tehran would meet again on May 3.

The US official confirmed to Axios that the next talks would be held in Europe, although the host country was not specified.

The second round of discussions was held in Rome on April 19.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the latest round was "more serious than before" and that the two sides had "gradually entered more technical details" relating to nuclear issues.

Araqchi added that the ongoing negotiations had given Iran hope that progress could be achieved, although he stressed that the Iranian side remained "hopeful, but extremely cautious."

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reiterated threats of military action against Iran if a new agreement is not reached to replace the 2015 nuclear deal brokered during Barack Obama's administration, repeatedly stating that Iran "cannot have a nuclear weapon."

-- BERNAMA