Iran says 4th round of indirect talks with U.S. set for Rome on May 3

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that the fourth round of the Oman-mediated indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States will be held in Rome on Saturday, according to the official news agency IRNA.

Araghchi gave the latest information on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting in Tehran while responding to questions about the ongoing talks with the United States on Tehran's nuclear program and Washington's sanctions.

He noted that Oman, as the talks' host, had decided to hold the fourth round in Rome due to technical and logistical reasons.

Araghchi noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) currently hasn't participated in the negotiations but "will play an important role in the future if an agreement is reached."

He said that although no time frame had been decided for the talks' conclusion, Iran naturally was not interested in "attritional negotiations and is not after wasting time."

Meanwhile, on the same day, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States would impose new sanctions on entities engaged in trading Iranian oil and petrochemical products.

This round of sanctions targets seven entities and two vessels belonging to a previously sanctioned maritime management firm - five entities headquartered in the United Arab Emirates.

Commenting on the U.S. hostile measures, such as the imposition of fresh sanctions against Iran despite the ongoing negotiations, he noted that such actions would definitely convey a negative message and raising questions over the U.S. good faith.

The first and third rounds of the indirect talks between Iran and the United States, headed by the Iranian foreign minister and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, were held in the Omani capital, Muscat on April 12 and 26, and the second one in Rome on April 19.

Iran says 4th round of indirect talks with U.S. set for Rome on May 3

Iran says 4th round of indirect talks with U.S. set for Rome on May 3

Iran says 4th round of indirect talks with U.S. set for Rome on May 3

Iran says 4th round of indirect talks with U.S. set for Rome on May 3

Iran says 4th round of indirect talks with U.S. set for Rome on May 3

Thailand will release detained Cambodian soldiers once peace is restored, a Thai official said on Saturday, after the two countries agreed to a ceasefire following days of heavy clashes.

The ceasefire was agreed following intense discussions at General Border Committee (GBC) meetings between Cambodia and Thailand in Thailand’s Chanthaburi province.

Under the agreement, the truce took effect at noon local time and will be monitored by both sides for 72 hours. The Thai government said it reached the agreement after considering the impact of the crisis on the country's economy and international standing.

"Once peace has been restored, civilians can return to their homes safely. Thailand will then release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers," said Thai Defense Minister Gen. Nattaphon Narkphanit at a press conference after the meeting.

Thailand, in turn, expressed hope that Cambodian authorities will allow Thai citizens remaining in Cambodia to return safely.

The coming hours will be a key test of mutual trust. The two countries have agreed to keep communication channels open and work together to combat disinformation, which has complicated negotiations. Thailand also expects Cambodia to assist in clearing landmines in disputed areas.

Thailand said it is watching closely to see whether the ceasefire will be fully implemented, while remaining prepared to defend itself if hostilities resume.

"The ceasefire must be sincerely conducted and maintained. We are going to wait. That is why we have the 72-hour monitoring period in place. If things are not settled within the 72 hours, we will fall back to our protocol of using our right to defend our country," said Thai Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sonjaidee.

Prior to the ceasefire, the situation along the border was tense. During the General Border Committee talks, airstrikes and clashes occurred almost daily, with frontline control shifting frequently, taking a heavy toll on civilians.

Thailand to release detained Cambodian soldiers once peace is restored: official