Nuclear dialogue revives as Iran set to begin talks with Washington

Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has ordered the initiation of nuclear negotiations with the United States, a well-informed source within the Iranian government told Fars News Agency.

According to the source, talks between Iran and the United States will be confined solely to nuclear matters. No information has been provided yet on the start date of consultations, the format of possible meetings, or the level of representation of the parties.

The 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) between Iran and the US and other powers aimed to restrict Tehran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, but the United States withdrew in 2018 during President Trump’s first term, prompting Iran to resume expansion of its enrichment activities and weakening diplomatic trust.

After years of stalled diplomacy following that withdrawal, indirect negotiations mediated by Oman between Iranian and US officials began in April 2025, with several rounds held in Muscat and Rome focused on limiting Iran’s nuclear program and addressing sanctions.

Despite talks being described as constructive at times, major differences remain over uranium enrichment levels, sanctions relief timing, and mutual security assurances. Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets during 2025 further heightened tensions and stalled progress by increasing Tehran’s distrust of US intentions.

Complicating diplomacy further, the 2015 nuclear agreement formally expired in late 2025 and was declared terminated by Iran, while the US and European parties continue to advocate for renewed talks to curb Tehran’s nuclear advances amid heightened regional tensions. 

By Jeyhun Aghazada