Mon Apr 14 01:39:52 UTC 2025: ## US and Iran Hold “Constructive” Indirect Nuclear Talks; Further Negotiations Planned
**Rome, Italy –** The United States and Iran held a second round of indirect nuclear talks on April 12th, 2025, in Muscat, Oman, mediated by Omani officials. These high-level negotiations, the most significant since the 2015 nuclear deal collapsed, focused solely on Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. Both sides described the discussions as “constructive.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff spoke directly for a brief period after the indirect talks, which were facilitated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. The two sides agreed to meet again on April 19th, 2025, in Rome, for another round of indirect talks. Iran has steadfastly maintained that the discussions will remain limited to nuclear issues and sanctions, rejecting any expansion to topics such as its ballistic missile program or support for regional militant groups.
The talks follow a letter from former US President Donald Trump to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging nuclear negotiations while hinting at potential military action if talks fail. Despite Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign of sanctions and military threats, Iran agreed to engage in the discussions, apparently seeking relief from the economic hardship caused by sanctions and recent regional conflicts.
Reactions in Iran were mixed. While some conservative media outlets praised the U.S. for limiting the scope of the talks, others expressed concerns about the lack of a “Plan B” if negotiations fail. Reformist papers viewed the talks as a “decisive turning point.” Meanwhile, the strengthening of the Iranian Rial against the US dollar following the talks suggests a positive market reaction to the renewed diplomatic efforts. Trump, commenting on the talks, stated that “Nothing matters until you get it done,” reflecting the uncertain nature of the ongoing negotiations.
First Piper 