FM: Iran suspends indirect talks with US amid rising regional tension 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi yesterday announced the suspension of the Oman-brokered negotiations with the United States citing lack of “grounds” for such talks and rising regional tensions.

“The Muscat process has been suspended due to the unique circumstances in the region. Today, we don’t see any basis for talks. As soon as we manage to overcome the current crisis, we will decide whether to resume this work or not,” the IRNA news agency quoted him as saying during a visit to Muscat.

In May, Iran and the US held a new round of indirect talks mediated by Muscat and aimed at curbing further escalations.

Tension escalated after Israel assassinated numerous Iranian commanders in Syria and Lebanon and killed Hamas bureau chief Ismail Haniyieh while he was on an official visit to Tehran in July.

READ: US and Iran have more indirect talks in Oman to de-escalate tensions