Iran, US make progress in Rome: Third round of nuclear talks set for April 26 in Oman

Iran and the United States both report progress after a second round of indirect nuclear negotiations, which Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describes as “constructive”, and say they will hold further meetings in the coming week.

Technical experts will be meeting in the coming days, suggesting movement in negotiations, before the third round of talks in Oman on April 26, Araghchi said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Al Jazeera.

A senior US official quoted by The Associated Press news agency said Saturday’s (April 19) meeting in Rome had achieved “very good progress” and confirmed follow-up talks for next week. There has been no official US readout yet of the meeting.

Delegations led by Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, a billionaire real estate executive whom US President Donald Trump has dispatched on numerous foreign policy missions, held four hours of indirect talks at Oman’s embassy in the Italian capital, according to Iran’s top diplomat.

The delegations stayed in separate rooms in the embassy as Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi shuttled messages between them, Iranian officials said.

“We succeeded in reaching a better understanding on certain principles and goals,” Araghchi was quoted by the semiofficial Tasnim news agency as saying. “The negotiations were conducted in a constructive atmosphere and are progressing.”

“I hope that after next week’s technical sessions, we’ll be in a better position,” Araghchi said, according to Tasnim. “There’s no reason for excessive optimism or pessimism.”

The primary objective of these negotiations is to establish a framework that prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons while allowing the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Iran has expressed willingness to discuss limited restrictions in exchange for lifting international sanctions but remains firm on not dismantling its centrifuges or significantly reducing its enriched uranium stockpile. ​

President Donald Trump has issued a 60-day ultimatum for substantial progress, warning of potential military action if a new agreement isn't reached. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has shown cautious optimism regarding the talks. ​

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has labeled the current stage of talks as "very crucial," emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts to ensure Iran's nuclear program remains peaceful.

By Khagan Isayev