Iran Reaching 'Better Understanding' with US in Nuclear Talks—Diplomat

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke cautiously optimistic about the second-round of indirect talks with the United States, telling Iranian state media that the parties "succeeded in reaching a better understanding on certain principles and goals," following the conclusion of Saturday's meeting in Rome.

Why It Matters

The latest talks come a week after leaders from both countries held indirect discussions in Muscat, Oman. The conversations follow years of strained, distrusting relations between the U.S. and Iran, which intensified after President Donald Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during his first term.

Iran's nuclear program is under pressure from the U.S., which accuses the Islamic Republic of seeking to develop the technology to give it nuclear weapons and has threatened to bomb Iran if a diplomatic solution is not reached that could prevent it from ever acquiring them.

Tehran has said it will not negotiate under pressure and has repeatedly said its nuclear program has only civilian purposes.

The latest talks come just days after Iran held a major military parade Friday, showcasing tanks, missiles and troops. The day before, Trump, responding to a report that he had discouraged a proposed Israeli strike on Iran, said he hadn't ruled out the option but preferred diplomacy.

"I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death, and I'd like to see that. That's my first option," he said.

What To Know

Saturday's talks between Iran and the U.S. took place at the Omani ambassador's residence in Rome, with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi mediating for the second weekend in a row.

Araghchi led his country's delegation while U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff represented Washington. The meeting was about four hours long, nearly twice as long as last weekends.

Tasnim News Agency, which shares ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with Iranian state television, reported that Araghchi said: "We succeeded in reaching a better understanding on certain principles and goals," adding that the negotiations are "progressing."

Esmaeil Baqaei, a spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, called the talks "useful" and said they were held in a "constructive atmosphere," in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

He added: "The two sides agreed to continue the indirect talks in few days at technical level to be followed by another round at their own level on coming Saturday."

Araghchi noted in a social media post later Saturday that the "expert level track" discussions will help "hammer out details" related to the negotiations.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Newsweek, the talks, which they called both "direct and indirect," lasted over four hours. "We agreed to meet again next week and are grateful to our Omani partners for facilitating these talks and to our Italian partners for hosting us today," the statement read.

What People Are Saying

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in an X post Saturday: "Relatively positive atmosphere in Rome has enabled progress on principles and objectives of a possible deal. We made clear how many in Iran believe that the JCPOA is no longer good enough for us. To them, what is left from that deal are 'lessons learned.' Personally, I tend to agree. The initiation of expert level track will begin in coming days with a view to hammer out details. After that, we will be in a better position to judge. For now, optimism may be warranted but only with a great deal of caution."

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said in an X post on Saturday: "I would like to thank Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Presidential Envoy Mr Steve Witkoff for their highly constructive approach to the talks today. These talks are gaining momentum and now even the unlikely is possible."

The White House said in a statement email to Newsweek on last Saturday about the first round of talks: "Special Envoy Witkoff underscored to Dr. Araghchi that he had instructions from President Trump to resolve our two nations' differences through dialogue and diplomacy, if that is possible. These issues are very complicated, and Special Envoy Witkoff's direct communication today was a step forward in achieving a mutually beneficial outcome. The sides agreed to meet again next Saturday."

President Donald Trump said on Friday: "I'm for stopping Iran, very simply, from having a nuclear weapon. I want Iran to be great and prosperous and terrific."

Ali Vaez, director of Crisis Group's Iran Project, wrote in an X post: "Both Iran and the U.S. want to move beyond the JCPOA. That is a good thing."

Gregory Brew, a senior Eurasia Group analyst focused on Iran and energy, wrote in a Saturday X post: "It makes sense that both sides frame these talks as aiming at something better than JCPOA. The IRI will spin whatever they get as a victory, so long as it preserves the program and fuel cycle. Trump, meanwhile, will feel little pressure to conform to reality."

What Happens Next?

Tasnim News Agency reported that the so-called technical-level talks are scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, in Oman, with the country again acting as mediator.

Al Jazeera reported that another full round of talks is likely to take place Saturday, April 26.

Araghchi is slated to deliver a virtual keynote address Monday morning at the U.S. think tank, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's International Nuclear Policy Conference.

Update 4/19/25, 6:05 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with the State Department's statement.

Update 4/19/25, 3:01 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.