US and Iran Gear Up for Crucial Nuclear Negotiations: What to Expect in Rome

ROME (AP) — Iran and the United States are set to resume negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program in Rome. This is a crucial moment, especially given the long history of tension between the two nations dating back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at the U.S. Embassy.

The first round of talks didn’t lead to a solid agreement. Both sides are now heavily focused on finding common ground. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are the key players. Their discussions could determine the future of these complicated relations.

In 2018, former President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the nuclear deal that had put strict limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment. Since then, diplomatic relations have been rocky. There’s a lot at stake now, including the risk of military action against Iran or Iran’s potential move toward developing nuclear weapons.

The situation has recently escalated amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and U.S. military actions in the region, which have resulted in significant casualties.

Trump stated on Friday, “I want Iran to be great and prosperous,” while emphasizing the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, highlighted Iran’s commitment to diplomacy. He acknowledged that the path to an agreement is complex but expressed a hopeful outlook based on Iran’s past negotiation experiences.

Araghchi and Witkoff have been busy traveling before these crucial talks. Witkoff participated in discussions about Ukraine in Paris, while Araghchi recently visited Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russia’s involvement is significant, as it was part of the original nuclear deal and may play a role in any new agreements concerning Iran’s enriched uranium.

Oman, long regarded as a mediator in U.S.-Iran relations, helped facilitate these negotiations. Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi has returned to Rome to assist in bridging gaps between the two sides.

Iran’s economic situation remains fragile. The country is facing internal unrest over issues like mandatory hijab laws and potential hikes in gasoline prices, which have triggered protests in the past. Recently, the Iranian rial fell to over 1 million to a U.S. dollar, although it has improved slightly due to the ongoing talks.

In addition to economic concerns, Iran Air has received two used Airbus planes, a significant development given the restrictions on acquiring new aircraft. These planes had previously been owned by Hainan Airlines in China. However, U.S. sanctions could complicate matters regarding their operation and maintenance.

Through these negotiations, Iran hopes to stabilize its economy and ease sanctions. The outcome of these discussions could reshape not only U.S.-Iran relations but also influence the broader Middle East region.

For more about the historical context of U.S.-Iran relations, check the Council on Foreign Relations.

Source link

Donald Trump, Iran, Steve Witkoff, Iran government, Middle East, Tehran, Vladimir Putin, Abbas Araghchi, 2024-2025 Mideast Wars, United States government, Russia government, General news, United States, Airbus SE, World news, X Corp., Politics, Esmail Baghaei, Government programs, Badr al-Busaidi, Business, Washington news, Washington News