US and Iran to hold second round of nuclear talks soon - Reports reveal date
Illustrative photo: The US and Iran will soon hold a second round of nuclear talks (Getty Images)
The United States of America and Iran will begin a second round of nuclear negotiations this Saturday, April 19, in Rome, Axios reports.
According to the media resource, the American side was satisfied with the first round of negotiations and now wishes for both sides to hold a direct dialogue format in Rome.
According to sources, the meeting between US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, which took place on April 12, Saturday, was "substantive, serious and excellent," although it began with a sense of distrust.
Tehran raised the issue that White House Head Donald Trump had previously withdrawn from the earlier nuclear deal, which has raised concerns that he might do so again. The American side, in turn, voiced its own doubts about Iran's intentions regarding its nuclear program.
Axios adds that Washington now wants Iran to take steps in the near future aimed at "distancing" its nuclear program from the creation of nuclear weapons. As a source explained, one such step could be "downblending" Iran's stockpile of near-weapons-grade 60% enriched Uranium, which could be enough for six nuclear bombs.
"While the second round of talks won't be in Oman, Omani mediators are going to be present. But this time the negotiations could take place with Iranian and US officials sitting in the same room," the media resource states.
Nuclear deal between USA and Iran
During his second term, Trump decided to conclude a new nuclear deal with Iran and made a corresponding proposal to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In particular, the US President threatened Tehran with massive bombings of the country.
On April 12, the first stage of indirect negotiations took place. The parties discussed Iran's nuclear program and the possibility of lifting sanctions.
