In Rome, recent developments have rekindled efforts between Iran and the United States to address Tehran’s advancing nuclear program. Following talks on Saturday, both nations expressed optimism about the progress made and agreed to reconvene the following week. During the discussions, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff engaged in a direct conversation with Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi.
Prior to their upcoming meeting in Oman on April 26, technical-level discussions will take place in the coming days. These technical discussions reflect a positive shift towards a potential agreement, highlighting Trump’s urgency to secure a deal, while simultaneously warning of possible military actions against Iran. An anonymous Trump administration official confirmed, “The discussions thus far have been productive.” Similarly, Araghchi mentioned on social media that tangible advancements had been made regarding the objectives of a possible agreement, although he maintained a cautious approach.
Indications from both U.S. and Iranian sides acknowledged that the engagement was both direct and indirect, with Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, mediating between the parties as needed. “The momentum in these discussions has made even improbable outcomes seem possible,” said al-Busaidi.
Oman’s Foreign Ministry affirmed a mutual commitment to achieving a deal that ensures Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful and free from weapons and sanctions. This diplomatic engagement marks a significant moment considering historical hostilities since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent U.S. Embassy hostage incident. Trump’s unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018 had sparked prolonged hostilities, leaving prior negotiations ineffective in reinstating the accord.
The current talks unfold amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen that targeted Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. “It’s crucial to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons,” Trump stated, emphasizing his desire for a prosperous Iran.
In the context of these discussions, Witkoff met with Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA will likely play a pivotal role in verifying any agreement reached, continuing its oversight role from the 2015 accord. Grossi also engaged with Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, reinforcing the importance of diplomacy and mutual respect.
In the lead-up to these recent negotiations, Witkoff traveled to Paris and engaged with Israeli and French officials, while Araghchi visited Moscow for talks with President Vladimir Putin. Given Russia’s involvement in the 2015 nuclear agreement, its role could be significant in any future accord, potentially managing Iran’s high-grade enriched uranium supply.
The negotiations in Oman mark a continued diplomatic effort, with previous rounds helping to establish a foundation for forthcoming discussions. However, debates over uranium enrichment levels remain contentious, with Iran determined to maintain its domestic program.
Amidst these negotiations, Iran grapples with internal economic challenges and socio-political unrest, particularly around issues like the mandatory hijab laws. These talks have had a stabilizing effect on Iran’s currency, raising hopes for economic improvement. Additionally, Tehran recently received two Airbus aircraft, a transaction complicated by U.S. sanctions given the involvement of American components in the planes’ engines. While the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury have yet to comment, this move echoes transactions permitted under the 2015 deal.