In a pivotal move toward reviving the Iran nuclear deal, the United States and Iran engaged in what were described as “constructive” discussions in Rome, marking the second round of Oman-mediated nuclear talks between the two nations.
The Saturday meeting, held indirectly between Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, comes amid cautious optimism following earlier talks in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Messages were relayed through Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, as both sides seek a path forward after years of tension over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Oman-Mediated Diplomacy Resumes After Long Pause
The renewed dialogue comes after a months-long diplomatic stalemate. Reports indicate that former US President Donald Trump had previously sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei via the United Arab Emirates, proposing talks. While initially rejected by Khamenei as pressure from “bully governments,” Iran later agreed to indirect discussions through Omani mediation — echoing Oman’s earlier role in facilitating the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
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Upcoming Technical Talks in Oman
Technical-level discussions are set to commence Wednesday in Oman, where experts will examine how sanctions relief could be directly tied to Iran’s nuclear commitments. These will be followed by another round of high-level negotiations in Muscat, scheduled for three days later.
The United States is expected to push for restrictions aligning with the original JCPOA, particularly capping uranium enrichment at 3.67 percent. Currently, the International Atomic Energy Agency reports Iran possesses 274.8kg of uranium enriched up to 60 percent, a significant leap from agreed limits.
Iran Denies Nuclear Weapons Intentions
Iran continues to assert that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons, citing a religious decree by Ayatollah Khamenei prohibiting such actions. Still, Khamenei recently remarked: “If Iran chooses to pursue a nuclear weapon, nobody could stop it,” while leaving his original decree intact.
Collapse of the 2015 Deal and the Road Ahead
The original Iran nuclear deal, signed in 2015 under the Obama administration, was designed to curb Iran’s nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief. However, it fell apart in May 2018 when Trump unilaterally withdrew the US, branding it a “bad deal” and reinstating harsh sanctions. Iran has since ramped up its nuclear enrichment activities.
Signs of Progress, but Caution Remains
Despite years of distrust, the Rome talks have sparked renewed hope for diplomacy. According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, Araghchi noted: “We succeeded in reaching a better understanding on certain principles and goals.” He added on social media, “For now, optimism may be warranted but only with a great deal of caution.”
While the US seeks immediate limits on enrichment, Iran is demanding firm assurances that Washington won’t exit any future deal, as happened with the JCPOA.
