Understanding reached, deal not yet
In heavy air and under cloudy skies, Rome — the city of legendary empires — once again became the stage for a new chapter of diplomatic confrontation. The negotiations between Iran and the US, which for months had been stuck in twists and turns of silence and tension, have now found a glimmer of new life in the Italian capital. Though faint, this glimmer has fixed eyes on the future. After months of deadlock and silence, Rome has now turned into a crossroads of hopes and doubts — where Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, and Steve Witkoff, the senior US representative, outlined new lines of dialogue in two rounds of intense, indirect talks.
New path in diplomacy
After concluding the second round of four-hour talks, Abbas Araghchi faced reporters with a calm yet cautious expression and stated: “The atmosphere of the negotiations was constructive and forward-moving. We reached a better understanding on a set of principles and objectives.” He announced that a new phase would begin: Starting Wednesday, Iranian and American technical experts will kick off their specialized discussions to delve into the details of the agreement and outline a practical framework moving forward.
According to Araghchi, after the expert-level talks, he and Witkoff will meet again in Oman on Saturday to review the results and decide on the next steps. Yet, amid this optimistic news, Araghchi made a key statement that revealed the true essence of the situation: “There is neither reason for excessive optimism nor for excessive pessimism. We are still proceeding cautiously. I hope that next week, we will be in a better position — in a position to judge whether reaching an agreement is possible.”
Why Rome, why Oman?
The choice of Rome and then Oman as negotiation venues is more than a geographical decision — it carries political messages. Rome, the heart of Europe, far from the media frenzy of the US or regional tensions, is the ideal place for talks requiring high sensitivity and subtlety. Oman, with its history of successful mediation — particularly in previous nuclear talks between Iran and the US — has once again been chosen as a neutral and trustworthy ground for entering the technical phase. Analysts say this shift shows that both sides are looking to build a secure space, allowing them to focus on negotiations without media pressure or political provocations.
From principles
to implementation
An understanding on “principles and objectives” is a promising starting point, but entering the real details will be a serious test. Issues such as uranium enrichment levels and capacity, Iran’s nuclear research and development programs, verification mechanisms for commitments, the timeline and stages of sanctions relief, and guarantees for implementation — all these dossiers will be opened in the expert meetings in Oman.
External, internal pressures
The political and international backdrop of these talks is far from simple. In Washington, the US administration is under heavy pressure from Congress and regional allies, especially Israel. Any agreement must convince domestic critics that US interests are not at risk. In Tehran, the bitter memory of America’s withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 looms large. This time, Iran is seeking stronger, more tangible guarantees — ones that will prevent a repeat of that bitter scenario.
Cautious global welcome
On the international stage, the return to diplomacy has been met with cautious optimism. The European Union has officially welcomed the resumption of talks, emphasizing that any agreement must ensure Iran’s sustained return to nuclear commitments and meaningful sanctions relief.
China and Russia, which have grown closer to Iran in recent months, are also invested in the talks’ success, as regional stability benefits their economic and geopolitical projects. Meanwhile, Israel has strongly warned against any revival of the nuclear deal, threatening unilateral action if necessary — a shadow that could still loom over the negotiations.
Economic, social consequences of deal
Even a temporary or phased deal could have an immediate impact on Iran’s economy. Unfreezing assets, facilitating oil exports, easing banking restrictions, and reducing transaction costs could provide short-term relief to the country’s exhausted economy. On the other hand, Iranian society, long burdened by sanctions, is closely monitoring the talks. Even a clear sign of reduced tensions could shift the social atmosphere and restore hope for the future among the younger generation.
From Rome to Oman;
from hope to reality
This time, Iranian and American negotiators may understand better than ever that no agreement will come about without difficult compromises. As diplomatic history shows, real agreements are born somewhere between maximalist demands and non-negotiable red lines. If, in Oman, experts can narrow technical differences, and if Araghchi and Witkoff can demonstrate the political will to continue the process in the third round, then hope for keeping the talks alive may be more than just a dream.
Hazy but open horizon
The world’s eyes are fixed on Rome and Oman. A potential agreement, if achieved, will undoubtedly face a tough road ahead. But the fact that diplomacy has once again taken the place of threats and sanctions is itself a sign of the force that could guide a crisis-weary world toward some measure of calm.
Until next Saturday and the third round of talks in Oman, all eyes remain on the Middle East — hoping that this time, diplomacy might prevail over the clamor of war and crisis. These days, Rome and Oman are not just hosting nuclear negotiations; they are witnessing a human effort to restore hope to a world that, more than ever, needs peace and dialogue. Amid breaking news, conflicting analyses, and endless waiting, we remain watchful — waiting for the moment when, perhaps this time, the diplomats’ silence will give way to the smile of agreement.
The article first appeared in the Persian-language newspaper Haft-e Sobh.