USA‑Iran nuclear talks resume in Rome amid diplomatic efforts
The second round of USA-Iran talks regarding the Iranian nuclear program will take place in Rome on Saturday. The first round was held a week earlier in Oman. The Omani Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, who acts as a mediator, has arrived in the Eternal City.
The talks in Rome coincide with the visit of the American President, J.D. Vance, who has arrived with his family in the Italian capital.
Second round of USA-Iran talks on nuclear issues
After the first round of negotiations, the White House announced 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 provided.
The meeting in the city of Muscat on April 12th was the first high-level contact between both sides in eight years. It took place in an indirect format, with the parties in separate rooms, and messages between them were conveyed by the Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. It is unclear in what format the Roman round will take place.
It is recalled that President Donald Trump, during his first term in the White House, withdrew the USA from the agreement concluded in 2015 between Iran and the 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 then, Iran has significantly exceeded the limits on uranium enrichment. The West accuses Tehran of striving to acquire nuclear weapons, evidenced by uranium enrichment levels exceeding civilian needs.
Mediator: Oman
After the first round of talks, there was an initiative for the next round to be held in Rome, which was welcomed by the Italian government.
On Friday, the Italian Foreign Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, met with the mediator, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who explained that the choice fell on Rome for "logistical reasons."
Minister Tajani assured Italy's full support for Oman's mediation. He also expressed hope that the talks would impact accelerating negotiations significantly between the United States administration and the Iranian government towards a diplomatic resolution. He added that it is necessary for stabilization throughout the Middle East.
