TALKS between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear programme appeared ready today to begin a new round of negotiations in Italy.

And the head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog separately confirmed he would be taking a trip to Iran later in the week, possibly to discuss ways to improve inspectors’ access to Iran’s programme.

A source in the Italian government, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the next round would take place in Rome on Saturday. 

Their comments came as Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani separately told journalists in Osaka, Japan, that the Italian government has given the go-ahead to host the talks.

Mr Tajani said: “We received the request from the interested parties, from Oman, which plays the role of mediator and we gave a positive response.”

Both Iranian and US officials did not immediately acknowledge the venue of the second round of negotiations. 

The talks will follow a visit by Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency to Iran later this week.

“Continued engagement and co-operation with the agency is essential at a time when diplomatic solutions are urgently needed,” Mr Grossi wrote on X.