Iranian Foreign Minister Arrives in Rome
Indirect Negotiation Format as in First Round
The high-level nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, resumed after a decade, are being held for the second time on the 19th (local time) in Rome, the capital of Italy.
According to foreign media outlets such as Italy's ANSA news agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Rome on this day for the nuclear negotiations. Minister Araqchi is set to resume negotiations with Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for Middle Eastern affairs, regarding solutions to Iran's nuclear program.
The first round of nuclear talks was held on the 12th in Muscat, the capital of Oman in the Middle East, and, according to an agreement between the two sides, the second round is taking place in Rome.
As in the first round, both parties have reportedly chosen an indirect negotiation format, exchanging messages through Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi, who is acting as mediator, rather than meeting face-to-face. Regarding the outcome of the initial talks, both sides previously signaled positively, stating that "constructive dialogue took place."
It remains uncertain whether any concrete results will be achieved in the second round of nuclear negotiations. Minister Araqchi, after meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow the previous day, said, "Although I have serious doubts about the intentions and motivations of the U.S. side, I will nevertheless participate in tomorrow's negotiations," and added, "Iran is fully prepared to seek a peaceful solution for its peaceful nuclear program."
Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on this day, "Iran has always sincerely engaged in diplomacy, which is a responsible means of resolving issues," and continued, "We know this path is not easy, but we will proceed cautiously, step by step, based on past experience." He also stated, "Iran's demands regarding the nuclear negotiations, including the lifting of sanctions, are consistent and transparent," and added, "Given the recent contradictory statements by U.S. officials, the U.S. side must resolve the significant ambiguities regarding its intentions and seriousness."
Ali Shamkhani, political advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and Iranian Navy Rear Admiral, wrote on X, "Iran aims for a balanced agreement, not capitulation, in negotiations with the United States."
President Trump is threatening to bomb Iran if it does not agree to the nuclear negotiations. During his first term in 2018, President Trump unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement and reinstated sanctions against Iran.
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