US, Iran set to enter next phase of nuclear talks for 'fair, enduring' deal

The U.S. and Iran are set to enter the next phase of the nuclear talks to achieve an agreement that would guarantee that the country does not have nuclear weapons or remain under the constraint of sanctions, according to Oman. 

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, through the mediation of Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi “have agreed to enter into the next phase of their discussions that aim to seal a fair, enduring and binding deal which will ensure Iran completely free of nuclear weapons and sanctions, and maintaining its ability to develop peaceful nuclear energy.” 

“It is only in dialogue and clear communication that we will be able to achieve a mutually credible agreement and understanding for the benefit of all concerned regionally and internationally,” a spokesperson for Oman’s foreign ministry said in a Saturday statement. “It is also agreed that the next round will take place in Muscat in the next few days.” 

The second round of talks between the two sides took place in Rome and started around 11:30 a.m. local time, the U.S. official told The Hill on Saturday. 

“I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death — and I’d like to see that, that’s my first option,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday. 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei wrote Saturday in a post on social platform X that the Islamic Republic has “always demonstrated, with good faith and a sense of responsibility, its commitment to diplomacy as a civilized way to resolve issues, in full respect of the high interests of the Iranian nation.”  

“We are aware that it is not a smooth path but we take every step with open eyes, relying also on the past experiences,” Baghaei added.

The talks in Italy come a week after the first round of discussions took place in Oman. Both sides described the talks as “constructive.” Witkoff also spoke with Araghchi face-to-face toward the end of the meeting. 

Trump said he is willing to take a diplomatic approach to forge a new nuclear agreement with Iran. The president pulled the U.S. out of the Obama-negotiated nuclear agreement in 2018. 

Current U.S. officials have repeatedly emphasized that if a new deal with Tehran is reached, Iran must get rid of their nuclear arsenal. The White House has also cautioned that if talks do not go as planned, a military response could take place. 

“The President’s made clear Iran will not have a nuclear weapon," Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters Friday while in Paris. "That is not going to happen."

"We’re hoping that talks continue and that they’re fruitful and that they’re — that they can lead to something," he added. "We would all prefer a peaceful resolution and a lasting one."