TEHRAN — Tensions have escalated as a second round of crucial negotiations concluded in Rome between the United States and Iran. The discussions are focused on addressing the looming threat of military conflict and Iran’s ongoing nuclear ambitions.
The stakes are notably high, with a potential for military strikes from the U.S. or Israel on Iran’s nuclear facilities, or the possibility of Iran advancing its pursuit of a nuclear weapon. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi convened at the Omani Embassy in Rome to engage in these vital talks.
Araghchi provided insights following the discussions, indicating that they were conducted in a “constructive atmosphere” while also exercising caution. He remarked on Iranian state television that although there is no reason to feel overly optimistic, the discussions did not yield reasons for deep pessimism either.
A statement from Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that both Witkoff and Araghchi agreed to progress into a subsequent phase aimed at establishing a “fair, enduring and binding deal.” The proposed agreement would ensure that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons while also lifting sanctions, allowing the nation to develop its peaceful nuclear energy sector.
The next negotiations are set to occur in Muscat, Oman, in the upcoming days as confirmed by Oman’s foreign ministry. A statement from the U.S. regarding the outcomes of the talks has yet to be released.
These negotiations follow a previous successful round in Muscat last week, which allowed both parties to explore cautious diplomacy further. President Trump has voiced strong opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, asserting a desire for Iran to achieve prosperity.
Recent reports from The New York Times indicated that Trump had dismissed proposals from Israel about striking Iranian nuclear sites, preferring to pursue an alternative route through a renegotiated agreement. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, remarked positively about the outcomes of the initial talks, insisting on the need for careful progression in their discussions.
This context frames a historic moment, especially given the decades-long antagonism between the two nations resulting from the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent hostage crisis in the U.S. embassy. The U.S. has enacted extensive economic sanctions against Iran since then, with a significant turning point occurring in 2018 when Trump withdrew from a deal that had effectively curbed Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.
The ongoing negotiations primarily revolve around Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, a critical metric in evaluating the country’s proximity to developing nuclear weapons. The deal established in 2015, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), stipulated that Iran’s enrichment should not exceed 3.67%, significantly lower than the 90% required for weapons-grade uranium.
Under the JCPOA, Iran could access economic relief while ensuring its nuclear program remained civilian-focused. This multilateral agreement, supported by the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council alongside Germany and the European Union, began to disintegrate with Trump’s withdrawal and the intense sanctions that followed.
Iran, in retaliation, resumed its uranium enrichment, reportedly reaching levels as high as 60%, inching closer to the threshold for weapons-grade material. This backdrop has introduced confusion over the Trump administration’s mixed messages regarding the future of Iran’s nuclear program, further complicating the dialogue.
In a notable contradiction, Witkoff articulated conflicting statements on social media and during interviews, oscillating between demands for total elimination of Iran’s nuclear capabilities while also indicating a willingness to allow enrichment for civilian purposes at the originally agreed-upon level.
This ambiguity underlines the tension inherent in the current discussions, further exacerbated by the unresolved distrust stemming from the JCPOA’s collapse. Iran’s officials continue to express their cautious stance as they navigate this complex negotiation landscape.
Adding to the tension, a Friday prayer service in Tehran highlighted the sentiments among hardline factions that while negotiations are essential, they must be approached with extreme caution. The gathering conveyed mixed messages as some attendees shouted anti-American slogans while emphasizing the necessity for a trustworthy dialogue.
With diplomatic discussions ongoing, Trump has issued threats of military action should an agreement not be reached. As a show of strength, the U.S. has deployed an additional aircraft carrier to the region while threatening to enforce tariffs on nations purchasing Iranian oil in a bid to ramp up pressure.
As Iran and the U.S. approach the next phase of talks, results remain uncertain amidst the backdrop of suspicion, tension, and the history that shapes their relationship. The coming days in Muscat will serve as a litmus test for whether both nations can find common ground on this critical international issue.
image source from：https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/iran-us-nuclear-talks-rome-rcna201962
