Rome has become the latest stage for a renewed round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, as both nations attempt to resolve their decades-long stand-off over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. The talks, which began on April 19, are taking place under the looming threat of military action from US President Donald Trump should diplomacy fail.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are engaging in indirect negotiations, facilitated by an Omani official shuttling messages between the two sides. This follows a constructive first round of talks in Muscat last week, where the two officials briefly interacted but refrained from direct discussions—a practice not seen since 2015 under then-President Barack Obama.
Ahead of the talks, Mr. Araqchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to diplomacy, urging all parties to seize the opportunity for a “reasonable and logical nuclear deal.” He stressed that such an agreement must respect Iran’s rights, lift sanctions, and address concerns about its nuclear program. Speaking in Moscow on April 18, he expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, provided Washington adopts a realistic approach.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani welcomed the negotiations, describing Rome as the “capital of peace and dialogue.” He expressed hope for a positive resolution to the Middle East’s nuclear tensions.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, Tehran has tempered expectations of a swift deal. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated he remains “neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic” about the outcome. Meanwhile, President Trump reiterated his firm stance against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, while expressing a desire for the nation to thrive.
The backdrop to these talks is fraught with tension. Israel has not ruled out a potential attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, and President Trump has revived his “maximum pressure” campaign on Tehran since returning to the White House in January. Washington demands that Iran halt its production of highly enriched uranium, which it suspects is aimed at developing nuclear weapons. Tehran, however, insists its nuclear program is peaceful and seeks guarantees that the US will not renege on any future agreements, as it did in 2018.
Since 2019, Iran has exceeded the limits set by the 2015 nuclear deal, enriching uranium to levels far beyond what is necessary for civilian energy purposes. A senior Iranian official outlined Tehran’s red lines, including refusing to dismantle its centrifuges, halt enrichment, or reduce its uranium stockpile below 2015 levels. Iran also rejects discussions on its ballistic missile program and defense capabilities.
Russia, a signatory to the 2015 agreement, has offered to mediate and assist in the negotiations, signaling its willingness to play a constructive role in resolving the impasse.
As the talks continue, the world watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could ease tensions and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
