The United States and Iran have resumed negotiations in Rome, Italy, on May 23, 2025, concerning the Islamic Republic's nuclear program. Oman is mediating the discussions, which aim to find a new agreement that prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons while easing international sanctions.
The Iranian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while the US delegation is headed by Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Tensions have risen between the two countries, particularly over Iran's uranium enrichment program. The US insists on a total halt to enrichment, while Iran maintains its right to continue, with Foreign Minister Araghchi vowing that enrichment will continue regardless of the outcome of the talks.
These talks are the highest-level contact between the two nations since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord. The negotiations occur amidst concerns about Iran's increasing uranium enrichment, which has reached levels far beyond what is needed for civilian purposes but still below the level required for weaponization. The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, with both sides holding firm on their positions.