Written By Lisa Murimi
The United States and Iran have entered a second round of nuclear talks in Rome amid growing regional tensions and contradictory signals from both sides.
While both Washington and Tehran described last week’s talks in Oman as “constructive,” hopes for de-escalation are overshadowed by military threats and unclear negotiating positions.
President Donald Trump has warned Iran to choose between diplomacy or potential conflict, and reports suggest he recently held back Israel from launching strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Iran insists its return to the table is due to the U.S. focusing solely on nuclear issues, not threats of military action.
However, its leadership remains cautious. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the talks as “well implemented” but warned against overconfidence.
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, heading the U.S. delegation, stated that any final agreement must include halting Iran’s enrichment and weaponization programmes.
Yet his remarks have varied, leading Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to accuse him of inconsistency.
Saudi Arabia and Russia have also stepped into the diplomatic fray, with high-level visits aimed at influencing outcomes.
Meanwhile, the IAEA continues efforts to restore oversight of Iran’s expanding nuclear programme.
With both sides pushing their own versions of the process—direct vs. indirect talks—the path to a new deal remains fraught with mistrust and complexity.
