The second round of talks between the United States and Iran regarding the latter’s nuclear program concluded in Rome on Saturday, with signs of cautious optimism. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that there is “movement forward” and that the two sides have reached “an agreement on some principles.”
The negotiations followed the first round of talks held in Muscat, Oman, the previous week. The US delegation was led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, while Iran was represented by Foreign Minister Araghchi. Oman again acted as a mediator.
After four hours of talks, Araghchi commented, “I can say that there is movement forward. We’ve reached a better understanding and agreement on some principles and goals in these Rome negotiations.” The third round of talks is scheduled for next Saturday in Muscat, with technical discussions set to begin on Wednesday.
The US has been opposed to Iran’s nuclear program, particularly Iran’s production of highly enriched uranium, which it believes is aimed at building an atomic bomb. However, Iran maintains its right to enrich uranium and is suggesting it may be open to compromise in exchange for sanctions relief to alleviate economic pressures.
An Iranian official mentioned that the two sides did not meet face-to-face but sat in separate rooms, with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi serving as the mediator.
Following the first round of talks, Witkoff emphasized that any final deal must align with President Trump’s vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East, with Iran halting its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program. Israel has strongly opposed Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.
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