Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi attends a meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani (not pictured) in Rome, April 19, 2025. Abbas Araqchi via Telegram/Handout via REUTERS
Iran and U.S. Agree to Begin Expert-Level Work on Potential Nuclear Deal Framework
April 19, 2025
Iran and the United States have agreed to initiate expert-level discussions to develop a framework for a potential nuclear agreement, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The decision follows a second round of indirect talks mediated by Oman amid heightened tensions and U.S. threats of military action.
Second Round of Talks Held in Rome
The nearly four-hour meeting between Araqchi and U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, took place in Rome, with an Omani official acting as intermediary. The two sides have engaged in indirect negotiations twice in one week.
President Trump, who withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) during his first term, has recently reiterated his intention to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, warning of possible military action should diplomacy fail.
Iran Open to Limited Nuclear Curbs
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. According to Araqchi, Tehran is open to discussing “limited curbs” on its atomic activities in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.
Speaking on Iranian state television, Araqchi characterized the talks as “constructive” and stated that “some progress” had been made regarding the principles and objectives of a possible agreement. He announced that expert-level negotiations will begin on Wednesday in Oman, with a follow-up meeting between the top negotiators scheduled for next Saturday to review the progress.
Cautious Optimism from Tehran
While describing the discussions as productive, Araqchi urged caution: “We cannot say for certain that we are optimistic. We are acting very cautiously. There is no reason either to be overly pessimistic.”
The U.S. side has not yet released an official statement following the latest round of talks. President Trump, however, commented on Friday that he remains committed to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while also expressing a desire for Iran to prosper.
Israeli Concerns and Iran’s Red Lines
Israel, a strong opponent of the 2015 nuclear deal, continues to voice concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. According to sources familiar with Israeli government discussions, military options remain under consideration.
Since 2019, Iran has significantly exceeded the JCPOA’s restrictions on uranium enrichment and stockpile limits. A senior Iranian official, speaking anonymously, reaffirmed Iran’s red lines, which include a refusal to dismantle centrifuges, halt enrichment entirely, or reduce its enriched uranium stockpile below levels set by the 2015 agreement.
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