Payam Javan: U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Rome on April 19, 2025, for a second round of talks aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, as President Donald Trump pushes for a new deal. Trump, who withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement during his first term, has reimposed sanctions and demanded a new framework to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran, which has stepped back from its 2015 commitments and stockpiled 605 pounds of 60-percent enriched uranium, insists on continuing its enrichment program, with Araghchi calling it “non-negotiable.” The talks follow indirect discussions in Oman on April 12, with both sides seeking clarity on terms amid conflicting statements.

The negotiations occur as Iran consults with remaining 2015 deal parties—China, France, Germany, Russia, and the UK—while Russia offers to mediate. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized Moscow’s readiness to facilitate dialogue, provided the U.S. avoids “unrealistic demands.” Trump, simultaneously mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has threatened military action if Iran does not comply and warned of withdrawing from Ukraine peace efforts if progress stalls. Araghchi expressed openness to a deal if the U.S. demonstrates serious intent, highlighting the delicate balance of diplomacy as global tensions persist.