Washington/Tehran/Rome – The long-standing diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program is showing signs of revival. After two rounds of direct and indirect talks, both nations have labeled the discussions “constructive,” with meaningful progress reported. Sources confirm a third round is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 26, in Oman.
According to AFP, a senior US official revealed that President Joe Biden’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held over four hours of intense discussions in Rome. “During the second phase of negotiations in Rome today, we engaged in more than four hours of direct and indirect talks. Significant progress has been made,” the official noted.
The Rome meetings mark a rare moment of direct diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, raising hopes for a potential breakthrough. A senior Iranian diplomat, however, emphasized that the Rome session was “entirely indirect,” mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, a longtime regional interlocutor trusted by both sides.
Technical Talks to Precede Third Round in Oman
Before the main event in Oman, a round of technical discussions will be held to narrow down key sticking points and establish a shared framework. Analysts see this as a strategic move, aiming to reduce ambiguities and pave the way for a tangible agreement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sounded cautiously optimistic, saying, “Both sides are now in a better position to understand each other’s guiding principles.” He reiterated Iran’s commitment to finding a mutually acceptable solution, but stressed the importance of sincerity and realism from the United States.
Iran Open to Agreement If US Stays ‘Realistic’
On April 18, after a high-level meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Araghchi addressed the nuclear negotiations during a press briefing. “As long as Washington maintains a realistic approach, an agreement on our nuclear program remains entirely possible,” he stated.
Iran’s message is clear: The window for diplomacy remains open, but success depends on Washington’s willingness to respect Iran’s sovereignty while addressing global concerns about nuclear proliferation.
What’s at Stake?
The talks center around Iran’s nuclear capabilities and the possibility of restoring a version of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the US unilaterally exited in 2018 under the Trump administration. Since then, tensions have remained high, with Iran expanding its nuclear enrichment capabilities and the US maintaining economic sanctions.
Observers believe that a successful deal would not only stabilize the Middle East but also impact global oil markets and international security frameworks.
Why Oman Matters
Oman has historically played a quiet but crucial role in mediating sensitive diplomatic issues in the Gulf. Its neutral stance and close ties with both Washington and Tehran make it a strategic venue for high-level backchannel negotiations. The upcoming April 26 meeting will be watched closely by global powers, including the EU, Russia, and China, who remain invested in de-escalating tensions and reviving diplomatic cooperation in the region.
While previous attempts to reconcile have faced numerous setbacks, the current tone from both sides reflects a renewed willingness to move forward. Should the upcoming discussions in Oman yield a breakthrough, it could mark a pivotal moment in US-Iran relations and potentially chart a new course for peace and stability in the Middle East.
