Iran and the United States are scheduled to hold a second round of indirect nuclear negotiations this weekend, with discussions focusing on Iran’s uranium enrichment program and the potential lifting of U.S. sanctions. The initial meeting took place in Muscat, Oman, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff engaged in mediated talks. While the venue for the upcoming talks has been a point of contention—Italy has confirmed Rome as the host city, though Iran has expressed a preference for Geneva—the discussions are set to proceed.
Key issues on the agenda include the U.S. proposal for Iran to transfer its highly enriched uranium stockpile to a third country, such as Russia, to prevent potential weaponization. Iran has resisted this proposal, citing concerns over the reliability of U.S. commitments, especially in light of the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.
Additionally, Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi is expected to visit Moscow ahead of the talks to consult with Russian officials, underscoring the significance of Russia’s role in the negotiations.
The outcome of these talks is critical, as both nations navigate the complexities of nuclear non-proliferation, regional security, and economic sanctions. The international community will be closely monitoring the developments, given the potential implications for global diplomacy and stability.
