Ahead of Rome meeting, Trump says Iran dragging out nuclear talks

President Donald Trump said Iranian negotiators were “tapping us along” and threatened military action if a deal is not reached.

United States

IAEA’s Grossi to visit Tehran ahead of second round of US-Iran nuclear talks

The IAEA chief’s visit comes just days after nuclear talks between the US and Iran and less than a week after a senior Iranian official threatened to halt compliance with the nuclear watchdog.

Iran

China's oil imports highest since 2023 amid Iran crude spike: What to know

Data from analytics firm Kpler from April 11 showed that Iran’s exports were up 20% from February and at a five-month high.

China

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Al-Monitor Daily Briefing: Iran FM to discuss US nuclear talks in Moscow

By Gabrielle Debinski

In New York City, reporting on the Middle East

First US-Iran talks in years seen as 'positive' as hard-liners cry treason

While the Iranian foreign minister struck a positive note after the Oman meeting, he had to face a barrage of ferocious criticism from the country's hard-line camp for engaging with "the Great Satan."

Iran

Analysis

How Iran’s nuclear gains complicate Trump's desire for a 'stronger' deal

President Trump says he's seeking an Iranian nuclear deal stronger than the one he trashed in his first term. But with Iran's nuclear program more advanced than ever before, is that even possible?

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Newsletter: China-Middle East

China joins the chessboard ahead of Iran-US talks

China is strategically influencing the upcoming US-Iran nuclear talks by strengthening its relationship with Tehran.

By Joyce Karam

Iran oil exports to China soar in March to 1.9M bpd despite US sanctions

The United States and Iran will hold negotiations on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program on Saturday as Tehran hopes to achieve sanctions relief.

Iran

US imposes new Iran sanctions ahead of Oman talks as Tehran touts nuclear gains

Iranian officials met their Russian and Chinese counterparts on Tuesday to discuss the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program as Tehran prepares for negotiations with Washington.

Iran

After steep fall, oil prices slightly recover following Trump tariff pause

Over the last week, oil prices have plummeted amid the escalating trade war between the United States and China.

Saudi Arabia

Analysis

Economic pressure, B-2 bombers and isolation: How Iran accepted talks with Trump

Under severe economic strains and growing military threats from the United States, Iran agreed to negotiate its nuclear program, but the talks' potential outcomes remain shrouded by deep uncertainties.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Senate confirms Elbridge Colby as Pentagon’s next policy chief

The vote marks a win for skeptics within the GOP of liberal deployment of US military power.

United States