Iran and the USA Enter New Round of Nuclear Talks in Rome

The United States and Iran are set to engage in a second round of negotiations regarding a nuclear agreement in Rome. This meeting will involve Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi and the U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who will communicate indirectly through intermediaries from Oman.

Tehran has been cautious about raising expectations for a swift resolution. Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, expressed a balanced view, neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic about the outcomes of these discussions. Iranian officials have hinted at the possibility of sanctions relief should an agreement be reached.

Foreign Minister Araghtschi indicated that a deal with the U.S. could be achievable, provided the Americans demonstrate genuine intentions and refrain from making unrealistic demands. In a press conference in Moscow, he acknowledged the seriousness exhibited by the U.S. during the initial talks held in Oman.

During these discussions, Iran conveyed its willingness to accept certain restrictions on its uranium enrichment activities. However, Tehran is seeking assurances from the U.S. that any new agreement will not be unilaterally abandoned, as was the case in 2018 when the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, reinstating harsh sanctions.

The 2015 agreement, which had been reached between Iran and the P5+1 nations--namely the U.S., Russia, China, the UK, France, and Germany--was designed to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities in exchange for the easing of international sanctions. After the U.S. exit, Iran progressively deviated from its commitments under the accord.

Officials from Iran have stated that the country will not agree to dismantle its centrifuges used for uranium enrichment. Furthermore, Iran has made it clear that discussions regarding its missile program are off the table, as it is not covered by the nuclear agreement framework. The Islamic Republic has also stated it will reject any demands to reduce its enriched uranium stockpile below the levels established in the 2015 deal.

In recent remarks, former President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran if no agreement on the nuclear issue is achieved. He reiterated his position that Iran should not possess nuclear weapons and expressed a desire for the country to thrive and prosper.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the Biden administration is committed to finding a peaceful resolution with Iran but will never tolerate the development of nuclear weapons by the nation. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has offered to act as a mediator between the two parties.