Iran and the United States are slated to engage in their second round of negotiations concerning Tehran’s advancing nuclear program on Saturday in Rome. These discussions follow an initial meeting in Muscat, Oman, where representatives from both nations held direct talks. Amidst these diplomatic efforts, President Donald Trump has implemented additional sanctions against Iran as part of a strategy aimed at exerting maximum pressure on the nation. While Trump has indicated that military action remains on the table, he has also expressed optimism about reaching a new agreement, having written to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to initiate these talks. In response, Khamenei has cautioned that Iran would retaliate against any military attacks.
President Trump dispatched a letter to Ayatollah Khamenei on March 5, later confirming its delivery during a televised interview. In the communication, Trump expressed hope for negotiations, warning of the dire consequences of potential military intervention. Since assuming office, Trump has advocated for dialogue while intensifying sanctions and suggesting the possibility of military action by the U.S. or Israel against Iranian nuclear sites. Previously, a letter from Trump during his first term elicited a strong reaction from the Iranian leader. However, similar correspondence with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un led to direct meetings, though no agreements were reached on limiting North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.
The inaugural round of talks in Oman was attended by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. Following indirect communications, both parties agreed to meet face-to-face, subsequently arranging the second round of discussions. Witkoff later indicated on television that a potential agreement could involve Iran enriching uranium at 3.67% purity, the same terms outlined in the 2015 nuclear deal established under President Barack Obama, from which Trump later withdrew. In subsequent statements, Witkoff emphasized that any agreement with Iran must be a “Trump deal.” Iranian officials have interpreted these comments as indicative of mixed signals from the U.S.
Concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain a significant issue in the West. Although Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful, officials have hinted at pursuing nuclear weaponry, with uranium enrichment reaching 60% purity—near weapons-grade levels. Under the 2015 agreement, Iran was permitted to enrich uranium up to 3.67% and maintain a stockpile of 300 kilograms. Recent reports indicate that Iran’s stockpile now stands at 8,294.4 kilograms, with portions enriched to 60%. U.S. intelligence believes Iran has not initiated a weapons program but has taken steps that could facilitate nuclear weapon development if desired. Ali Larijani, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, has stated in a television interview that while Iran possesses the capability to develop nuclear arms, it remains compliant with international inspections. However, any military aggression by the U.S. or Israel could compel Iran to pursue nuclear armament.
The strained relationship between the United States and Iran dates back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the U.S.-backed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The revolution resulted in the establishment of Iran’s theocratic government. The subsequent hostage crisis, where American diplomats were detained, led to the severance of diplomatic ties. The U.S. later supported Iraq in the Iran-Iraq war, further exacerbating tensions. Although diplomatic relations improved briefly with the 2015 nuclear deal, Trump’s decision to withdraw from the agreement has reignited tensions in the region.
