On April 13 the Reuters reported from Baghdad that Iraq expects to host more talks between U.S. and Iranian officials on improving Iraq’s security but it is frustrated by repeated delays, Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said on Sunday.

Zebari said his government had been trying since November to get a fourth round of talks held in Baghdad. Both Tehran and Washington had committed to fresh dialogue although Zebari said he did not have a date for a meeting.

The U.S.-Iranian security talks are one of the few forums in which officials from the two bitter foes have direct contact. “We need a commitment by the parties to stick to the agreed date. This is not happening,” Zebari said in an interview.
“We agree on a date, we pass it to both sides. We get the the approval from both sides, then when the date comes there is always some last-minute stumbling block or change of mind.”

Washington accuses Iran of giving weapons, training and funds to Shi’ite militias in Iraq. The top two U.S. officials in Iraq accused Iran last week of fuelling recent fighting in Baghdad and the southern city of Basra.

Despite the frustrations, Zebari said he expected to get another round convened. “I think we will be able to get one. Recently we have had a renewed commitment from both sides,” he said.