Iran confirms Italy as host for US nuclear talks, replacing Oman
On Wednesday, Iran confirmed that the second round of indirect nuclear talks with the United States will occur in Rome, substituting Oman as the initial host location. Iranian state television announced that despite this change, Oman will still fulfill its role as a mediator, maintaining the previously established diplomatic framework for negotiations. Although there was initial confusion regarding the location, it has been officially clarified that the talks are set for Rome on April 19.
The renewed discussions come after a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which called for direct negotiations and implied possible military action if Tehran did not comply. Iran opted to engage in indirect discussions via Omani channels, rejecting any form of diplomacy based on coercion. The first round of talks was held in Muscat on April 12, marking a significant engagement since the breakdown of the 2015 nuclear accord, which both parties described as “positive and constructive.”
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, stirred conversations earlier this week by indicating that Washington might accept uranium enrichment levels up to 3.67%, as delineated in the 2015 agreement. Nonetheless, he quickly reverted to a stance demanding complete cessation of Iranian enrichment activities. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Iran’s commitment to addressing global concerns while asserting the nation’s right to enrich uranium, emphasizing that this sovereignty matters greatly to Iran.
These negotiations occur against the backdrop of the economic turmoil exacerbated by Trump’s maximum pressure campaign, which has significantly harmed Iran’s economy. Notably, the Iranian rial suffered a dramatic decline, hitting a historic low against the dollar. Following the initial talks on April 12, the rial experienced a considerable recovery, suggesting a burgeoning public hope that ongoing diplomatic negotiations might alleviate the nation’s economic hardships. Nevertheless, Iran has persisted in advancing its nuclear program, demonstrating that external pressures have not successfully redirected its strategic ambitions.
