Iran, US begin second round of nuclear talks in Rome amid high regional tensions

Second round of high-stakes nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States have officially begun in Rome, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff meeting face-to-face for talks mediated by Oman. The discussions, taking place over Easter weekend, mark a rare moment of diplomacy between the two longtime adversaries.Araghchi arrived in the Italian capital early Saturday (local time), according to Iranian state television, while Witkoff reached Rome following meetings in Paris focused on the Ukraine conflict. Omani foreign minister Badr al-Busaidi, who played a key role in facilitating last weekend’s first round of negotiations in Muscat, is again serving as mediator.The talks aim to find common ground on Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program, which has been a source of deep concern for both Washington and its allies. The outcome could determine whether diplomacy prevails or if the region edges closer to potential military conflict."This is about stopping Iran from getting a nuclear weapon," said US President Donald Trump on Friday. "But I want Iran to be great and prosperous and terrific."Iranian officials have also expressed cautious optimism. “We take every step with open eyes, relying also on past experiences,” said foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei on social media platform X.These talks comes as tensions in the Middle East region soared amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and recent US airstrikes on Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen that killed over 70 people. The stakes are high: failure could risk escalations, including possible military action or Iran advancing its nuclear enrichment beyond the already alarming 60% purity level — a short technical step from weapons-grade material.Adding further complexity, Araghchi recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, signaling that Russia — a signatory to the original 2015 nuclear deal — may play a key role in any potential agreement, possibly even by taking custody of Iran’s enriched uranium, as reported by the Associated Press.Meanwhile, economic pressures continue to mount in Iran. Protests over potential fuel price hikes and ongoing unrest regarding the mandatory hijab law underline domestic instability. However, the talks have provided a slight boost to Iran’s currency, and the recent delivery of two Airbus A330-200 aircraft to Iran Air hints at renewed hopes for international trade — contingent on sanctions relief.The outcome of the Rome talks could prove decisive not only for Iran's nuclear future but also for broader regional security and diplomatic relations with the West.