- The U.S. and Iran have agreed to set up expert-level discussions on how Tehran could prevent its nuclear program from reaching weapons-grade capabilities, without abandoning it entirely. It’s the next phase of ongoing discussions, which kicked off April 12 in Oman.
- The experts are set to meet in Oman before Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi and his U.S. counterpart, Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, meet there for a third time on April 26.
- While Witkoff and Araghchi spoke only briefly during the first round of negotiations, the two reportedly spoke for several hours on Saturday.
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Following their second round of negotiations Saturday, April 19, the United States and Iran have agreed to set up expert-level discussions on how Tehran could prevent its nuclear program from reaching weapons-grade capabilities, without abandoning it entirely, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. These talks, which took place in Rome, come after the two sides engaged in “friendly” initial discussions last Saturday, April 12, in Oman.
The experts are set to meet in Oman before Aragchi and his U.S. counterpart, Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, meet there for a third time on April 26. Oman has been acting as a mediator for the discussions.
Iran lauds talks while US remains silent
Much like last Saturday, the U.S. is yet to comment on the talks. However, Araghchi told Iranian state television, “The talks were held in a constructive environment and I can say that is moving forward.” He added, “I hope that we will be in a better position after the technical talks.”
While Witkoff and Araghchi spoke only briefly during the first round of negotiations, the two reportedly spoke for several hours on Saturday.
‘Even the unlikely is possible’
Following the conclusion of the talks, Oman’s Foreign Ministry wrote on X that the two sides, “have agreed to enter into the next phase of their discussions that aim to seal a fair, enduring and binding deal which will ensure Iran [is] completely free of nuclear weapons and sanctions, and maintaining its ability to develop peaceful nuclear energy.” Roughly an hour later, Oman’s foreign minister, Badr al-Busaidi, posted on X, “These talks are gaining momentum and now even the unlikely is possible.”
Earlier this week, Witkoff said that Iran could retain its enrichment capabilities for civilian energy purposes up to 3.67%. However, a few days later, he contradicted himself, saying that the country would have to abandon its nuclear program altogether.
The recent talks mark the first time the U.S. and Iran have come together since President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, brokered by then-President Barack Obama. Trump pulled the U.S. out during his first term in 2018.
On Friday, April 18, Trump said, “I’m for stopping Iran, very simply, from having a nuclear weapon. I want Iran to be great and prosperous and terrific.”
