Following Rome Discussions, Iran Announces Plans with US to Begin Outlining Nuclear Agreement Framework<br /><br />The United States and Iran concluded a second round of discussions regarding Tehran’s advancing nuclear program on Saturday, with both sides expressing cautious optimism. Talks took place at the Omani Embassy in the Camilluccia district of Rome, concluding without a public statement from the US. American envoy Steve Witkoff departed shortly before Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also left.<br /><br />In an interview with Iranian state media, Araghchi described the meeting as productive, saying, “The negotiations are progressing. We achieved a clearer mutual understanding on several core principles and objectives.”<br /><br />He added that the third round of discussions is scheduled for next weekend in Oman, where expert-level negotiations will commence on Wednesday to begin formulating the structure of a potential agreement.<br /><br />Oman’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the upcoming session in Muscat, emphasizing the goal of achieving a fair, lasting, and enforceable accord. The envisioned deal would ensure Iran’s nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful and free from weapons development, while also aiming to lift international sanctions.<br /><br />Araghchi noted that the dialogue in Rome focused solely on nuclear matters, contrary to expectations that the US might bring up additional concerns. “So far, the Americans have only addressed the nuclear issue,” he told the Tasnim news outlet.<br /><br />Following the talks, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei affirmed Iran’s commitment to the negotiation process, stating, “Iran will pursue the discussions with determination as long as they remain constructive and goal-oriented.”<br /><br />Officials confirmed the meetings remained indirect, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi mediating by moving between the separate delegations. “These discussions are gaining traction — even unlikely outcomes are starting to seem within reach,” al-Busaidi posted on X.<br /><br />A US official, speaking anonymously due to the confidential nature of the talks, confirmed the conclusion of the meetings.<br /><br />The revival of dialogue between Iran and the US marks a significant moment, considering the longstanding hostility dating back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at the US Embassy. In 2018, then-President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the original nuclear deal, sparking years of tension and failed efforts to renegotiate a new pact that would curb Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for easing sanctions.
