Iran and the USA agree to further nuclear talks

During his first term in office, Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear agreement with Iran. Now the US president wants to resume negotiations. The second meeting was constructive for all sides. What's next?

Iran and the United States have reportedly made progress in the second round of nuclear talks in Rome. The talks are scheduled to continue next week.

Good progress and mutual understanding

The talks, led by the two chief negotiators, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, ended after four hours. The meeting took place on neutral ground at the Omani Embassy in Rome. 

Aragachi subsequently reported: "This time, we have succeeded in reaching a better understanding on a number of principles and objectives." He told the state news agency Tasnim that the nuclear program was the only topic. "We have made very good progress in our direct and indirect discussions," US government sources also said.

An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the delegations were in two separate rooms at the residence of the Omani ambassador. The Gulf state's Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, conveyed the messages.

Tehran and Washington have not maintained diplomatic relations since shortly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran.

Third meeting has probably already been agreed

According to an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, the indirect talks will continue at a "technical level" over the next few days. They will then resume next Saturday at the level of two senior negotiators. The third round of talks is reportedly scheduled to take place in Oman.

A US government official confirmed another meeting next week, but did not specify a specific date or location.

The first round of talks took place a week ago in Oman's capital, Muscat. Both sides subsequently described the talks as "constructive."

Restriction of the nuclear program for easing of sanctions

After the second round, mediator Oman stated that the US and Iran are seeking an agreement that guarantees that Tehran does not possess nuclear weapons. Both sides have agreed to "enter the next phase of their talks," which aim to conclude a "fair, lasting, and binding agreement," according to the Oman Foreign Ministry. This agreement should ensure that Iran is free of nuclear weapons and sanctions. It should also guarantee Iran's ability to develop civilian nuclear power.

Western states have accused Iran of developing nuclear weapons for years, a charge Tehran denies. In 2015, Iran signed an international agreement that provided for the easing of sanctions in return for curbing its nuclear program.

However , during US President Donald Trump 's first term in office , the United States unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and imposed new sanctions on Iran . Tehran subsequently gradually withdrew from its commitments under the agreement and ramped up uranium enrichment .

Since his return to the White House, Trump has been pushing for a new agreement, while threatening Iran with military action if the talks fail.