An Iranian official told CNN that recent indirect talks with the United States aimed at addressing Tehran’s nuclear program and lifting sanctions were “not genuine” from the American side and were likely designed from the outset as a “trap to draw the situation toward tension.

After initial success in April, the talks in May have hit a snag. It is not clear if things can be salvaged this week.

Top Iranian and U.S. negotiators will resume talks on Sunday to address disputes over Tehran's nuclear programme, in a push for progress as Washington hardens its stance ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East visit.