For the second time, long-time rivals Iran and the United States have resumed discussions regarding a potential nuclear agreement. The latest round of talks began on Saturday, April 19, at the Omani Embassy in Rome, Italy. This follows a previous meeting held last week in Oman.
Prior to the talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with the Italian Foreign Minister. Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy, stating, “All parties involved in the negotiations should seize this opportunity to reach a logical and reasonable nuclear agreement. Any such agreement must respect Iran’s sovereignty, lift unjust sanctions, and address existing ambiguities surrounding our nuclear program.”
The discussions are taking place under the looming threat of military action, as U.S. President Donald Trump recently warned that the United States might launch strikes against Iran if diplomacy fails.
According to a Reuters report citing an Iranian official, both Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are present at the embassy. However, they are not meeting face-to-face. Instead, an Omani official is mediating between the two, relaying messages from one to the other in separate rooms.
Tehran described last week’s initial meeting in Oman as positive, though there was no direct negotiation over the deal. The two sides reportedly exchanged brief conversations during that encounter.
On Friday, Araghchi visited Moscow and stated that if Washington takes a realistic approach, a nuclear agreement is achievable.