State Department says U.S. not confirmed for fourth-round Iran talks and urges accountability in Syria violence

The State Department said it was not confirmed to be participating in a reported fourth round of talks with Iran and declined to confirm timing or venue for future rounds.

“ The United States was never confirmed to be participating in a fourth round of talks with Iran,” the department spokesman said, adding that while another round is expected in the near future, the U.S. would not discuss negotiation details.

On Syria, the spokesperson said the department was closely monitoring reports of sectarian and civilian violence, including recent clashes that the spokesperson said affected the Druze community. “We urge the interim authorities to hold perpetrators of violence and civilian harm accountable for their actions and ensure the security of all Syrians, every single one of them,” the spokesperson said.

Reporters asked about tweets from Iranian officials describing postponement for logistical reasons; the spokesperson declined to confirm details that were not settled and said the timing and location of any talks would be announced when appropriate. The department reiterated its refusal to comment on private diplomatic negotiations beyond confirming whether it was a confirmed participant.

The briefing also reiterated conditions the department has said would underpin any future normalization of relations with Syria, including renouncing and suppressing terrorism, removing foreign terrorist fighters from official roles, preventing exploitation of Syrian territory by external actors, verifiably addressing chemical weapons, assisting in recovery of disappeared U.S. and other citizens, and ensuring security and freedoms for religious and ethnic minorities. The spokesperson said normalization or sanctions relief would depend on progress on those measures.