Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran Abbas Araghchi described the second round of indirect negotiations with the United States(U.S.), held in Rome on Saturday, as “constructive and good.”
Speaking to Iranian media after the conclusion of the talks, Araghchi confirmed that the next round will be held in Oman.
Araghchi said that the four-hour session was mediated by Oman and described the indirect exchange between the two sides as “good and constructive.”
He said that Tehran and Washington had reached a “better understanding” on a number of principles and objectives, although he did not go into details.
Before the next round of negotiations, Araghchi said that technical discussions at the expert level between the two sides will be held in Oman, starting this Wednesday.
He also called for caution against “excessive optimism or pessimism” as the negotiations continue.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, echoed Araghchi’s words on X, describing the session as “useful indirect talks” held in a “constructive atmosphere.”
“Both sides agreed to continue the indirect talks in a few days at the technical level, followed by another round at their level next Saturday,” he said.
The indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington, focused on Iran’s nuclear program, began last Saturday in Muscat, under the mediation of the Omani government. Iran said that the first round was held in a “constructive atmosphere based on mutual respect.”
After much speculation about the location of the second round, the Iranian delegation led by Araghchi and the U.S. delegation headed by Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, met again in Rome on Saturday.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened military action against Iran if a new agreement is not reached, which could replace the 2015 nuclear agreement concluded under the Obama administration.
Earlier on Saturday, Araghchi also held talks with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani.
Araghchi reiterated the long-standing Iranian position, calling Israel “the only obstacle to achieving a Middle East free of nuclear weapons,” as reported by Iranian media.
For his part, Tajani said that Rome has become the capital of peace and dialogue, supporting “the path of dialogue and negotiation against nuclear weapons,” according to a statement from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The Italian government hopes for a positive solution that could contribute to stability in the Middle East,” the statement added.
