Iran and the United States successfully wrapped up a second round of intense negotiations on Saturday, focused on Tehran’s nuclear program, as confirmed by officials from both nations. Although there is no immediate update on the progress of the discussions held at the Omani Embassy situated in Rome’s picturesque Camilluccia neighborhood, it has been established that both countries have committed to convene for another round of talks the following week.
Following the discussions, Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, conveyed on Iranian state television that Iran is determined to persist in the negotiation process with resolve and seriousness, aiming for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions imposed on the country.
‘Iran will continue as long as the dialogues proceed in a constructive and purposeful manner,’ he emphasized.
The private, behind-the-scenes negotiations were orchestrated by Steve Witkoff, serving as President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, along with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. These critical discussions were facilitated by the adept Omani Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi.
Prior to the commencement of these significant talks, Abbas Araghchi had a meeting with his Italian counterpart, the esteemed Antonio Tajani. Tajani took to X, conveying his optimism for a fortunate resolution.
Araghchi said the negotiations lasted about four hours, describing the meeting as ‘positive’ and ‘constructive’.
The top Iranian diplomat noted that Tehran and Washington were able to exchange and reach a better understanding on a number of principles and objectives.
He also called Saturday’s talks “a step forward”, adding that this progress allows them to move further to the next phase and begin “expert level” negotiations.
Technical and expert level negotiations are set to begin on Wednesday in Oman. On Saturday, a review is scheduled to assess the outcome of those discussions.
The fact that talks are even happening represents a historic moment, given the decades of enmity between Iran and the United States.
Trump, in his first term, unilaterally withdrew from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers in 2018, setting off years of attacks and negotiations that failed to restore the accord that drastically limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.