Iran and the United States have started a new round of nuclear talks in Rome, aiming to resolve their long-standing standoff over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The negotiations are being conducted indirectly through an Omani official shuttling messages between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Both sides described the first round of talks in Muscat as constructive.
Araqchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to diplomacy and called for a reasonable and logical nuclear deal that respects Iran’s rights while lifting sanctions. He believes reaching an agreement with the US is possible as long as Washington is realistic. However, both Tehran and Washington have cautioned against high expectations for a quick deal.
Trump reiterated his stance on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, while Israel has not ruled out a possible attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Trump had previously scrapped the 2015 nuclear pact and reimposed sanctions on Iran, emphasizing a maximum pressure campaign. Meanwhile, Iran has breached the 2015 deal’s limits on uranium enrichment, setting red lines that include not dismantling centrifuges or reducing enriched uranium stockpiles.
Russia has offered to assist in the negotiations between Iran and the US. The talks in Rome are being closely watched as a potential step towards resolving the nuclear dispute and averting military action threatened by Trump. Both sides face challenges in finding a compromise that addresses Iran’s nuclear program while ensuring sanctions relief and guarantees against future reneging on agreements.
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