Apr 19, Kathmandu- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Rome on Saturday morning. He is participating in talks with US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Mr. Steve Witkoff. The talks are being conducted under the mediation of Oman.

This is the first time since the US withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018 that such a high-level dialogue is being held. Under the deal, Iran accepted some limits on its nuclear program, in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions.

Iran has repeatedly made it clear that its nuclear program is for peaceful and civilian purposes only. Some Western countries, including the United States, have expressed concerns that Iran could develop nuclear weapons.

Araghchi said the first round of talks had shown some seriousness from the US side, although he also noted that there were still some doubts about the US’s intentions. Rafael Grossi, the director general of the United Nations Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in a recent interview that the US and Iran had reached “a very sensitive juncture.”

Iran has made it clear that talks should be limited to the nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions. Iranian officials have called the right to enrich uranium “non-negotiable” and have reiterated their stance that there will be no discussions on the missile program or other security issues.

The talks between the two sides are considered crucial for regional peace, stability and international trust-building.