U.S. and Iran Hold Second Round of Nuclear Talks in Rome

Latest Developments

• Second Round Held: A second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran over the future of Tehran’s nuclear program took place in Rome on April 19. A four-hour long discussion was held between delegations led by President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Once again, Oman served as the mediator, this time hosting talks at its ambassador’s residence in the Italian capital. The deliberations unfolded amid international debate over whether diplomacy or military action is the most effective way to deter Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
• Omani Foreign Ministry Issues Statement: Oman’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement following the talks announcing that both the United States and Iran 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.” According to the statement, the next round of talks will be held “in the next few days” in Muscat, the capital of Oman.
• Witkoff Meets with Head of the IAEA: Prior to the negotiations, Witkoff reportedly met with Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). On April 17, the IAEA — which serves as the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog — warned that the talks between the United States and Iran have reached “a very crucial stage.” Emphasizing the urgency of the talks, Grossi also said that “We know we don’t have much time … So this is why I’m here.” He also suggested that the IAEA should play a role in the talks, noting that he was in contact with the U.S. negotiator “to see how the agency can be a bridge between Iran and the US.”

FDD Expert Response

“The Omani statement is deeply troubling. If accurate, U.S. negotiators may have agreed to Iran “maintaining its ability to develop peaceful nuclear energy.” That could mean Washington already has conceded on enrichment and centrifuges — the very tools the Islamist regime needs to build nuclear bombs at a time of its choosing. Tehran is holding firm to its red lines: no deal without these capabilities. The fact that talks are moving forward may suggest the U.S. already has abandoned its own — namely, President Trump’s demand for the full and verifiable dismantlement of Iran’s nuclear program. Let’s hope that’s not the case.” — Mark Dubowitz, CEO

“With the first U.S-Iran technical talks imminent and a third round of nuclear negotiations resuming in Oman next week, the question remains: what is Washington’s endgame, and has its position already collapsed? Tehran seeks to avoid the Libya and UAE models, aiming instead for a JPOA/JCPOA type deal — a major political defeat for the Trump administration. Iran is stalling to ease sanctions, avert snapback, and delay a military strike. If the U.S. is serious, it must engage while amplifying — not easing — Iran’s strategic fears to compel real concessions.” — Behnam Ben Taleblu, Iran Program Senior Director and Senior Fellow

“Key tests for a deal: Does it include the full, permanent, and verifiable dismantlement, export, or in-place destruction of Iran’s uranium production assets? Does it require Iran’s declaration and verified permanent dismantlement, destruction, or export of all capabilities relevant to the manufacture of nuclear weapons? Does it require Tehran to verifiably dismantle its nuclear-missile delivery program? Is all of this backed by anywhere, anytime IAEA access? If not, Trump is leaving an Iranian nuclear weapons capability intact, and it would be no better than the JCPOA. Congress must reject such a deal using its review powers under INARA.” —Andrea Stricker, Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program Deputy Director and Research Fellow

FDD Background and Analysis

“FAQ: What Should Be Washington’s Position on Iran’s Nuclear Dismantlement?” by Andra Stricker and Janatan Sayeh

“Questions Loom Over U.S. Concessions to Iran in Nuclear Negotiations,” FDD Flash Brief

“What President Trump Must Demand to Eliminate Iran’s Nuclear Threat,” by Orde Kittrie, Andrea Stricker, and Behnam Ben Taleblu

“Iran’s Nuclear Disarmament,” by Orde Kittrie, Andrea Stricker, and Behnam Ben Taleblu