Iran and U.S. Resume Indirect Nuclear Talks in Rome Amid Rising Tensions

Iran and the U.S. are holding indirect nuclear talks in Rome via Omani mediators, aiming to resolve long-standing disputes. Despite past setbacks and tough positions on both sides, leaders say diplomacy is still possible. The talks follow Trump’s warning against Iran developing nuclear weapons and renewed sanctions on Tehran.

Iran and the United States are set to resume indirect nuclear negotiations in Rome on Saturday, aiming to revive diplomatic efforts and avoid military confrontation over Tehran’s nuclear program. The talks, mediated by Oman, mark the second round of discussions following an initial meeting in Muscat last week that both sides deemed “constructive.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are not expected to meet directly. Instead, messages will be relayed by Omani intermediaries. The renewed dialogue comes in the wake of heightened pressure from President Donald Trump, who has reinstated his “maximum pressure” strategy since returning to office and warned that military action remains an option if diplomacy fails.

Trump, who withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal during his first term, emphasized his stance on Friday, stating, “They can't have a nuclear weapon. I want Iran to be great and prosperous, but they must never go nuclear.” Washington demands Iran stop enriching uranium at high levels, fearing it could be used to build nuclear weapons. Tehran, however, insists its program is peaceful and has demanded guarantees that any future deal won’t be abandoned again by a U.S. administration.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed cautious optimism, saying he is “neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic.” Meanwhile, Iranian officials reiterated their refusal to dismantle centrifuges, halt enrichment, or curtail missile programs — key sticking points that have blocked progress for years.

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Russia, which was part of the original 2015 agreement, has also expressed willingness to mediate. Despite decades of mistrust, both Tehran and Washington maintain that diplomacy remains their preferred path, though time and trust are wearing thin.