Iran, US set for 2nd round of talks under Omani mediation in Rome
3 Min Read
Iran and the United States will resume indirect nuclear talks in Rome, mediated by Oman's foreign minister, Esmaeil Baqaei confirms
-
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, left, meets his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi prior to negotiations with United States envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat, Oman, on April 12, 2025. (Iranian Foreign Ministry via AP)
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei announced early Saturday that the second round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States will take place in Rome, with mediation by Oman's Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi.
In a statement shared on social media, Baqaei emphasized Tehran’s ongoing commitment to diplomacy, stating that "the Islamic Republic of Iran has always demonstrated, with good faith and a sense of responsibility, its commitment to diplomacy as a civilized way to resolve issues, in full respect of the high interests of the Iranian nation."
Acknowledging the difficulties ahead, Baqaei added, "We are aware that it is not a smooth path but we take every step with open eyes, relying also on the past experiences."
Talks in Oman, US's unilateral withdrawal from past deal
The upcoming meeting in Rome follows an earlier round of indirect engagement in Muscat, Oman, which marked the highest-level talks between the two countries since the United States withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during the Trump administration.
The JCPOA, originally designed to manage Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for wide-ranging sanctions relief, has remained a point of contention since Washington's unilateral exit from the deal in 2018.
Read more: US serious about nuclear talks, Araghchi says from Russia
Iran’s Conditions for a New Nuclear Deal
According to a senior Iranian official speaking to Reuters on Friday, Iran is open to limiting certain aspects of its uranium enrichment program, but only if the US provides binding guarantees that any future accord will not be abandoned again, particularly under a future administration.
The official stated that "Iran understood in indirect talks in Oman that Washington doesn't want Iran to stop all nuclear activities, and this can be a common ground for Iran and the US to start a fair negotiation."
Iran has consistently ruled out dismantling its centrifuges, halting uranium enrichment entirely, returning to 2015 stockpile limits, or engaging in negotiations concerning its missile program.
US demands drive diplomatic friction
Meanwhile, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reiterated earlier this week that Iran must "stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment" to secure a new agreement. He also stressed US concerns about Iran’s missile defense program, which Washington also seeks to discuss in negotiations.
President Donald Trump’s previous decision to reinstate sanctions and adopt a "maximum pressure" policy, along with threats of military action, has resulted in Tehran’s cautious approach toward any renewed US-Iran negotiations.
Despite the tensions, both sides have said that the first round of talks was constructive.
Read more: Witkoff says Trump wants diplomatic solution to nuclear Iran: Axios
