USA‑Iran nuclear talks move to Rome amid diplomatic push
The second round of USA-Iran talks regarding the Iranian nuclear program is set to take place in Rome on Saturday. The first round was conducted a week earlier in Oman. The Omani Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, who serves as a mediator, has arrived in the Eternal City for the discussions.
The talks in Rome coincide with the visit of American President J.D. Vance, who has arrived with his family in the Italian capital.
Second round of USA-Iran talks on nuclear issues
Following the first round of negotiations, the White House stated that the meeting between the American special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, was a step forward towards reaching an agreement. However, no details were disclosed.
The meeting in the city of Muscat on April 12th marked the first high-level contact between the two sides in eight years. It occurred in an indirect format, with the parties in separate rooms, and messages were conveyed by the Omani Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi. It remains unclear what format the Rome round will take.
It's worth noting that President Donald Trump, during his first term in the White House, withdrew the USA from the agreement concluded in 2015 between Iran and world powers. Under this agreement, sanctions on Iran were eased in exchange for Tehran's commitment to limit its nuclear program. Trump then reinstated severe American sanctions.
Since that time, Iran has significantly exceeded the limits on uranium enrichment. The West accuses Tehran of aiming to develop nuclear weapons, as indicated by uranium enrichment levels surpassing civilian needs.
Mediator: Oman
Following the first round of talks, there was an initiative to hold the next round in Rome, a move welcomed by the Italian government.
On Friday, the Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Antonio Tajani, met with the mediator, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. Busaidi had previously explained that Rome was chosen for "logistical reasons."
Minister Tajani assured of Italy's full support for Oman's mediation efforts. He also expressed hope that the talks could significantly accelerate negotiations between the United States administration and the Iranian government towards a diplomatic solution. He added that such progress is essential for stabilizing the entire Middle East.
