Iran and the United States have agreed to hold a new round of talks next week aimed at resolving their longstanding nuclear standoff, following the conclusion of two days of indirect negotiations in Rome, Italy.
The discussions, which ended on Saturday, marked a rare diplomatic engagement between the two rival nations, who have had no direct negotiations since the landmark 2015 nuclear accord signed during former US President Barack Obama’s administration.
According to Iranian state media, the talks in Rome were conducted through the mediation of an Omani official who relayed messages between Iran’s top nuclear negotiator and Deputy Foreign Minister, Abbas Araqchi, and US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. While the two sides remained physically apart throughout the negotiations, officials say there was a brief interaction between Araqchi and Witkoff at the conclusion of the first session.
Iran Reaffirms Commitment to Diplomacy
Speaking ahead of the talks in a meeting with his Italian counterpart, Araqchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to finding a diplomatic solution. He urged all stakeholders to approach the discussions with a constructive mindset.
“Iran has always believed in the power of dialogue and diplomacy,” Araqchi said. “Any agreement reached must safeguard Iran’s legitimate rights and include the lifting of unjust sanctions while also addressing reasonable concerns about our peaceful nuclear activities.”
The sentiment was echoed during a separate press engagement in Moscow on Friday, where Araqchi expressed optimism that progress was possible—if Washington approached the talks with pragmatism.
“An agreement is within reach,” Araqchi said. “But only if the United States comes to the table with realistic expectations and a willingness to respect Iran’s sovereignty.”
Rome Becomes the Center of Global Diplomacy
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani hailed Rome’s role as host of the sensitive negotiations, framing the city as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
“Rome becomes the capital of peace and dialogue,” Tajani wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “I encouraged Mr. Araqchi to pursue negotiations rather than nuclear escalation. The Italian government hopes that together we can achieve a peaceful solution that benefits the Middle East and the world.”
Italian officials expressed hope that the city could serve as neutral ground for further diplomatic efforts involving the two adversaries.
Cautious Optimism from Tehran
Despite the encouraging tone of the talks, Iranian authorities cautioned against premature expectations of a breakthrough. Some Iranian lawmakers and media outlets had speculated that economic sanctions might soon be lifted as part of a renewed agreement, but officials in Tehran quickly moved to temper such hopes.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, weighed in on the ongoing negotiations this week, adopting a balanced stance on the prospects for success.
“I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic,” Khamenei said during a public address. “What matters is Iran’s dignity and national interest. If the other side shows seriousness and honesty, then a deal is possible.”
Trump Reiterates Red Line on Nuclear Weapons
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump remained firm on America’s position regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, even as he acknowledged the potential for a new diplomatic breakthrough.
“I’m for stopping Iran, very simply, from having a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters on Friday. “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. At the same time, I want Iran to be great and prosperous and terrific. There’s a path forward—but only if they abandon their nuclear ambitions.”
Trump’s comments suggest that while Washington remains open to diplomacy, it will not compromise on what it views as the core security issue.
The Road Ahead: Renewed Talks Next Week
Officials from both Iran and the US confirmed that another round of indirect negotiations has been scheduled for next week, although the exact date and location are being kept confidential for security reasons. Diplomats are hoping the talks can build on momentum from the Rome sessions and move the two sides closer to a mutually acceptable framework.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, key issues on the table include:
- A phased lifting of US sanctions imposed after Washington exited the 2015 deal under Trump in 2018.
- A verifiable cap on Iran’s uranium enrichment levels.
- Expanded access for international inspectors to Iran’s nuclear facilities.
- Regional security guarantees, including Iran’s role in conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq.
Global Stakes Remain High
The international community is watching the talks closely, with analysts warning that the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Middle Eastern stability and global nuclear nonproliferation efforts.
The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which was signed by Iran, the US, UK, France, China, Russia, and Germany, collapsed after the Trump administration withdrew and reimposed tough economic sanctions on Tehran. Since then, Iran has ramped up its uranium enrichment activities, prompting alarm in Western capitals.
Diplomatic efforts to revive the agreement have repeatedly stalled, but the Rome meetings—though indirect—represent a significant step forward.
Conclusion: Fragile Hope Amid Historic Tensions
As both sides prepare for another round of nuclear diplomacy, the path to a sustainable resolution remains fraught with challenges. Decades of mistrust, domestic political pressure, and regional rivalries continue to complicate the prospects of a lasting deal.
Yet, with cautious optimism growing on both sides, the Rome negotiations may mark the beginning of a new chapter—one where diplomacy, rather than confrontation, defines the future of US-Iran relations.
