Iran and US Make Shocking Breakthrough in Rome Nuclear Talks — What Happens Next?
Rome has cemented its reputation as a hub for diplomacy after hosting a second round of high-stakes nuclear talks between Iran and the United States. Mediated by Oman, the closed-door negotiations at the Omani Embassy in Rome’s Camilluccia neighborhood lasted four hours, with both sides describing the discussions as “positive” and “constructive.” While no immediate details were released, the fact that another round is scheduled for next week signals cautious optimism. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei emphasized Tehran’s commitment to “serious” negotiations, aiming to lift crippling economic sanctions.
The talks, led by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, mark a rare moment of direct engagement between two nations with decades of hostility. Araghchi hinted at progress, calling the meeting a “step forward” that could pave the way for expert-level negotiations. This development is particularly striking given former President Donald Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, which sent relations into a tailspin. Now, with both sides willing to engage, could a new agreement be on the horizon?
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who met Araghchi before the talks, hailed Rome as “the capital of peace and dialogue.” His optimism was echoed in a social media post, where he expressed hope for a successful outcome. Oman, a longtime mediator in Middle Eastern conflicts, played a crucial role in facilitating the discussions. The involvement of neutral parties suggests that both Iran and the US are serious about finding common ground, even if major hurdles remain.
One key takeaway from the Rome talks is the agreement to move forward with technical discussions in Oman next week. Expert-level negotiations are set to begin on Wednesday, followed by a review session on Saturday. This structured approach indicates that both sides are working toward concrete solutions rather than mere posturing. Araghchi noted that the two nations reached a “better understanding” on certain principles, though specifics remain undisclosed.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. A restored nuclear deal could ease tensions in the Middle East and provide Iran with much-needed sanctions relief. However, deep mistrust lingers, and past negotiations have collapsed despite initial progress. The Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign severely damaged diplomatic relations, and rebuilding trust will take time. Still, the mere fact that talks are happening at all is a historic development.
What comes next? If expert-level talks yield tangible progress, we could see a phased return to the 2015 nuclear deal — or even a new framework. But with hardliners in both Washington and Tehran skeptical of concessions, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. For now, the world watches as two long-time adversaries cautiously edge toward diplomacy. Will Rome be remembered as the turning point, or just another chapter in a decades-long standoff?
