ROME — Iran and the United States will commence discussions involving experts to explore the specifics of a potential agreement concerning Tehran’s rapidly progressing nuclear program.
This announcement was made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi after a second round of negotiations in Rome, where he met with U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff for several hours.
The upcoming expert discussions will take place in Oman, preceding another meeting between Araghchi and Witkoff scheduled for April 26.
While there was no immediate response from the U.S. following the meeting, President Donald Trump has been advocating for a swift resolution with Iran, simultaneously threatening military action against the nation.
“The talks were held in a constructive environment, and I can say that it is moving forward,” Araghchi stated during an interview with Iranian state television.
He expressed optimism regarding the outcome of the technical discussions, noting that the two sides have reached a better understanding of certain principles and objectives.
Interestingly, the meetings have been characterized as indirect negotiations, echoing those held last weekend in Muscat, Oman.
In these discussions, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi acted as an intermediary between the U.S. and Iranian delegations, which were situated in separate rooms.
The fact that such talks are occurring marks a significant moment in a relationship historically marred by conflict, particularly following the events of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis.
In 2018, Trump unilaterally exited the nuclear agreement with world powers, which had previously curtailed Iran’s uranium enrichment activities in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.
Current discussions come amidst rising tensions in the Middle East, with the threat of a potential military strike by the U.S. or Israel on Iran’s nuclear facilities, or the possibility of Iran pursuing its own atomic weapon escalating.
These anxieties have intensified due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, coupled with recent U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen, which resulted in over 70 deaths and numerous injuries.
Trump emphasized his stance on stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, stating, “I want Iran to be great and prosperous and terrific.”
Before his meeting with Witkoff, Araghchi also consulted with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in the morning.
Tajani announced Italy’s willingness to facilitate the continuation of talks, even at the technical level, highlighting that diplomatic resolutions are built over time through dialogue and mutual respect.
In preparation for the upcoming negotiations, both Araghchi and Witkoff have been traveling extensively.
Witkoff had participated in talks in Paris regarding Ukraine, amidst the ongoing conflict there, while Araghchi visited Moscow, where he conferred with officials, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Given that Russia is one of the world powers involved in the 2015 nuclear accord, it could play a crucial role in any future negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Analysts have suggested that Russia might take custody of Iran’s uranium enriched to 60% purity—just a technical step away from weapons-grade uranium levels of 90%.
The series of negotiations initiated in Muscat marked the first face-to-face discussions between Araghchi and Witkoff following earlier indirect talks.
Oman has historically served as an intermediary between Iran and Western nations.
However, preceding the discussions, Iranian officials reacted to conflicting statements made by Witkoff regarding uranium enrichment levels, heightening the stakes.
Witkoff initially indicated that Iran could enrich uranium at 3.67%, but later remarked that all enrichment must cease.
In reaction, Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asserted on social media that Iran would not agree to relinquish its enrichment program in a manner similar to Libya, nor to utilize uranium enriched abroad for its nuclear initiatives.
“Iran has come for a balanced agreement, not a surrender,” he concluded.
Additionally, Iran is seeking a deal to stabilize its struggling economy, which is currently under immense pressure.
Internal political dynamics remain tumultuous, particularly concerning the controversial mandatory hijab law, with many women in Tehran actively protesting against it.
Rumors are also circulating regarding a potential increase in subsidized gasoline prices—an issue that has previously sparked nationwide protests.
Iran’s currency, the rial, recently plummeted to over 1 million to a single U.S. dollar, although it has shown signs of recovery amid ongoing negotiations, a trend Tehran hopes will persist.
In a separate development, two previously owned Airbus A330-200 aircraft, long sought by Iran Air, arrived back at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport on Thursday.
The planes, which previously belonged to China’s Hainan Airlines, had been in Muscat and were re-registered to Iran.
These aircraft are equipped with Rolls-Royce engines, containing significant American components and service needs.
The sale would necessitate approvals from the U.S. Treasury, given the existing sanctions on Iran.
The State Department and Treasury did not respond to inquiries regarding the transaction.
Under the 2015 agreement, Iran obtained permission to purchase new aircraft, having arranged substantial contracts with Airbus and Boeing.
However, those manufacturers retreated from the deals in light of Trump’s threats against the nuclear accord.
image source from：https://www.npr.org/2025/04/19/nx-s1-5370060/iran-us-expert-level-nuclear-talks
