Anti-US policy a common ground with Russia, Iranian lawmaker says

A hardline Iranian newspaper affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Tuesday that recent US military posturing lacks economic and strategic backing, and said Washington has no choice but to rely on diplomacy with Iran and China.

“Military threats and gestures of war not only lack economic backing but result in failure against Iran and China,” the paper said.

The editorial said the United States “can only rely on diplomacy” and criticized US President Donald Trump’s envoy, saying “Steve Witkoff exaggerates to shape the news ahead of the fifth round of talks.”

Witkoff said earlier this week that the United States “can’t allow Iran to retain even 1% enrichment capability,” according to remarks aired by ABC News.

On the talks, Javan said Iran would only engage in “clear nuclear cooperation” if sanctions are lifted at the beginning of any agreement.

The paper added: “If new sanctions are used, there will be penalties and costly measures against the US and European economies. These sanctions will include restrictions and bans in areas under control.”

Read more...

“We have received a proposal regarding the next round of indirect talks between Iran and the US, and it is under review,” Gharibabadi, who serves as deputy for legal and international affairs, said in remarks published by the state media.

No further details about the content or timing of the proposed negotiations have been released.

The comments come a day after a Wall Street Journal reporter said that the next round of Iran-US nuclear talks is expected to take place this weekend in Rome.

However, citing an Iranian official, the United Arab Emirates' based The National reported that Iran has "not accepted" Oman's invitation for a fifth round of talks with the US.

It said that American officials' insistence on "zero enrichment" has left officials in Iran uncertain about the usefulness of more talks.

Iran has received a proposal regarding the next round of indirect talks with the United States and is currently reviewing it, a senior Foreign Ministry official said on Tuesday.

“We have received a proposal about the next round of negotiations with the US, and it is under review,” Kazem Gharibabadi, deputy foreign Minister for legal and international affairs, told state media without providing further details.

On Monday, Wall Street Journal correspondent Laurence Norman said on X that the next round of nuclear-related talks between Tehran and Washington is expected to take place in Rome this coming weekend.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that no final decision has been made and that Tehran is evaluating the matter in light of what it called Washington’s “contradictory and constantly changing positions.”

Oil prices held steady on Tuesday as traders weighed strong Asian demand and concerns over a potential breakdown in US-Iran nuclear talks against a cautious outlook for China’s economy, Reuters reported.

Brent crude dipped 6 cents to $65.48 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate rose 1 cent to $62.70 by 03:05 GMT.

Iran has "not accepted" Oman's invitation for a fifth round of talks with the US due to take place in Rome this Friday, the UAE's state-run The National website reported citing an Iranian official.

The American officials' insistence on "zero enrichment" has left officials in Iran uncertain about the usefulness of more talks, the report said.

Iran "does not want to have another round of talks and them to fail", the official was quoted as saying. "With zero enrichment, we don't have a deal."