New Delhi, 20 April 2025: The second round of talks held in Rome between Iran and the US on the nuclear program (Rome Nuclear Talks 2025) has raised new hopes in global diplomacy. In this meeting mediated by Oman, both the countries agreed to prepare the outline of the nuclear deal, which has increased the possibility of ending the decades-old animosity (Iran-US Tensions). Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called it a “positive step”, while US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed to hold the next round of talks in Oman. Will this dialogue bring stability to the Middle East? Let us understand this development with facts.
Rome Talks: What happened and why is it important?
On 19 April 2025, Iran and the US held four hours of intense talks at the Omani embassy in Rome. The meeting was attended by Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the US's special envoy to Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi mediated. Both sides described the talks as "constructive" and "progressive". "We have started discussing the framework of the nuclear deal. The next meeting will be held on April 26 in Oman," Araghchi was quoted as saying by Iranian state television (IRIB).
Rafael Mariano Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who was recently in Tehran, described the talks as an "important stage". He said, "The talks between Iran and the US are in a positive direction, but all the elements have to be put in place for an agreement.
Iran's conditions and America's stance
Iran made it clear that it wants the removal of economic sanctions and guarantees of the agreement. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai said, "We want the US not to unilaterally withdraw from the agreement in the future, as happened in 2018." Iran also proposed discussions on the management of its uranium stockpile.
On the other hand, the US is insisting on limiting Iran's nuclear program. Trump has repeatedly warned that if the agreement is not reached, there could be airstrikes on Iran's nuclear bases. However, after the Rome talks, the US official said, "We have made good progress in direct and indirect discussions."
Historical background and regional impact
Iran limited its nuclear program under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015, but in 2018 Trump withdrew from it and imposed strict sanctions. After this, Iran increased uranium enrichment, which Western countries consider an attempt to make nuclear weapons. Iran denies this and says that its program is peaceful.
The success of the Rome talks is being watched by countries like Saudi Arabia and Israel, which consider Iran a regional rival. Saudi Arabia wants the new agreement to also restrict Iran's missile capabilities.
Global and social reactions
#IranUSNuclearTalks and #RomeTalks are trending on social media. A user on X wrote, "Talks between Iran and America are a hope for peace in the Middle East, but Trump's threats are complicating it." Iranian Telegram channel 'Echo Iran' claimed that Tehran is ready to give up some "red lines", which has increased the possibility of an agreement.
India has adopted a neutral stance on this dialogue, but considers stability in the Middle East necessary for its energy security.
Future prospects
According to the IAEA report, Iran has enough uranium to make a nuclear bomb, but it is still far from making weapons. The Rome talks have laid the foundation for the third round, which will be held in Oman. Experts believe that if Iran gets a guarantee of lifting the sanctions, it can limit its nuclear program. However, Trump's "Maximum Pressure" policy and regional tensions are complicating it.
Conclusion
The Rome talks have strengthened the hope of a nuclear deal between Iran and the US. Both countries have given positive signals, but it is challenging to reach a consensus on sanctions, guarantees, and regional issues. If this dialogue is successful, it will not only reduce Iran-US hostility, but can also bring stability to the Middle East. Will this be a historic agreement, or another failed attempt? The Oman talks will answer this.
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