High-Stakes Negotiations Resume Amid Military Threats and Deep Diplomatic Divides
In a renewed attempt to resolve the prolonged nuclear standoff between Tehran and Washington, Iran and the United States are set to hold a second round of indirect negotiations in Rome this Saturday. The diplomatic dialogue, mediated by officials from Oman, follows last week’s initial talks in Muscat which were described by both sides as constructive but far from conclusive. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will again avoid face-to-face interaction, opting instead to communicate via the Omani delegation — a method that underlines the tense and fragile nature of bilateral ties. The Rome round unfolds under the shadow of President Trump’s recent declaration that military action remains on the table should diplomatic channels fail to yield tangible results, intensifying the geopolitical stakes of the proceedings.
Highlights:
Second round of indirect Iran-US nuclear talks to be held in Rome
Oman continues as key mediator; no direct Iran-US engagement
Trump reiterates military threat if diplomacy collapses
Araqchi Arrives in Rome, Emphasizes Need for Realism from Washington
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed his arrival in Rome via a message on his official Telegram channel, signaling Tehran’s commitment to the ongoing negotiation process despite visible skepticism among Iranian hardliners. Speaking from Moscow before his departure, Araqchi emphasized that Iran believes a diplomatic breakthrough is attainable, but only if the United States approaches talks with pragmatism and refrains from setting unrealistic or politically motivated conditions. His comments aimed to temper expectations and reaffirm Iran’s position that it will not compromise on national sovereignty or be coerced into any deal perceived as unfair or temporary. The prelude to the Rome discussions comes amid growing internal debate within Iran about the pace and prospects of sanctions relief, which some officials prematurely suggested could arrive soon — a notion the government has since sought to manage.
Highlights:
Araqchi confirms presence in Rome ahead of Saturday’s meeting
Says deal possible if US adopts realistic stance
Iran government downplays speculation of immediate sanctions relief
Iran’s Supreme Leader Adopts a Guarded Tone, Urges Caution on Negotiations
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei weighed in on the nuclear dialogue this week with characteristically guarded optimism, stating that he is “neither overly optimistic nor pessimistic” about the talks. His remarks served to both endorse the diplomatic engagement and caution against over-enthusiasm, signaling to Iran’s negotiating team that while they have his backing, they should remain vigilant about possible U.S. reversals — a direct reference to Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the original 2015 nuclear accord. Khamenei’s statements reinforce Iran’s demand for legally binding guarantees that Washington will not exit any renewed agreement unilaterally. His involvement underscores the complexity of Iran’s internal dynamics, where the supreme leader holds ultimate authority over foreign policy and security decisions.
Highlights:
Khamenei calls for balanced expectations on nuclear talks
Warns against excessive optimism following Muscat round
Demands legal guarantees from Washington to prevent future withdrawal
Trump Maintains Firm Anti-Nuclear Rhetoric While Inviting Economic Growth for Iran
In parallel with Iran’s cautious optimism, President Trump reiterated his longstanding position that Iran must be stopped from acquiring a nuclear weapon under any circumstances. In remarks to the press on Friday, Trump said, “They can’t have a nuclear weapon. I want Iran to be great and prosperous and terrific,” suggesting a conditional openness to détente if Tehran abandons its nuclear ambitions. However, the comment also served to underscore the zero-tolerance policy he has pursued since withdrawing from the 2015 deal. Trump’s framing of the issue blends hardline security concerns with rhetorical gestures of goodwill, aimed at pressuring Iran while keeping diplomatic options alive. His administration’s revival of the “maximum pressure” campaign, involving wide-ranging sanctions, remains central to U.S. strategy.
Highlights:
Trump reiterates opposition to Iranian nuclear armament
Says he wants Iran to “be great and prosperous”
Continues pressure campaign as talks unfold
Disputed Enrichment Activities Remain Key Stumbling Block in Talks
Washington’s foremost demand heading into the Rome talks remains clear: Iran must halt production of highly enriched uranium, which the U.S. contends is geared toward developing a nuclear weapon. Tehran, for its part, insists its atomic program is exclusively for peaceful purposes and maintains that its current enrichment levels are within the bounds of sovereign scientific progress. Nevertheless, since the collapse of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran has ramped up enrichment activities, producing uranium stockpiles well above what is needed for civilian energy needs. This escalation, widely documented by the International Atomic Energy Agency, has been cited by U.S. officials as the primary obstacle to meaningful progress in negotiations, especially as Tehran continues to deny IAEA inspectors full access to all nuclear facilities.
Highlights:
US demands halt to Iran’s high-grade uranium enrichment
Iran claims nuclear activities remain peaceful
Enrichment levels exceed 2015 JCPOA limits, complicating talks
Iran’s Firm Red Lines Limit Scope for Concessions, Rule Out Missile Talks
A senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, outlined Tehran’s non-negotiable terms ahead of the Rome meeting. According to the official, Iran will not agree to dismantle its uranium enrichment centrifuges, halt enrichment activities altogether, or reduce its enriched uranium stockpile below levels set in the 2015 deal. Furthermore, Tehran has categorically ruled out any discussions surrounding its missile program or broader defense capabilities, which it views as crucial to national security. These red lines significantly narrow the negotiating space and suggest that any potential deal will need to focus exclusively on nuclear-related measures, excluding broader geopolitical issues. Iran’s steadfast position is designed to project strength and ensure domestic political cover amid widespread public scrutiny of the government’s foreign policy choices.
Highlights:
Iran refuses to dismantle enrichment infrastructure
Missile program declared off-limits for negotiation
Seeks narrow focus on nuclear constraints, not defense posture
No Direct Talks Yet as Oman Mediates Again; Russia Offers Role
Despite the increasing urgency, no direct talks have occurred between U.S. and Iranian officials since 2015. The first round in Muscat saw a brief interaction between Witkoff and Araqchi, but it was largely symbolic and informal. The Rome talks are expected to follow the same indirect format, facilitated by Omani mediators with experience in handling high-stakes backchannel diplomacy. Meanwhile, Russia — a signatory to the 2015 agreement — has offered to assist in bridging the divide between Washington and Tehran. Russian diplomats have stated that they are prepared to mediate or support the process in any capacity that proves helpful, signaling Moscow’s continued interest in stabilizing a region where it holds strategic stakes. The Kremlin’s offer adds another layer of international involvement to an already multifaceted negotiation process.
Highlights:
Iran and US continue indirect format through Oman’s mediation
Russia offers to play facilitative role in nuclear talks
No direct bilateral talks between Iran and US since 2015
