US and Iran resume nuclear talks in Rome
US-Iran nuclear talks are expected to resume today in Rome.
Leading the US delegation is Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, while Iran’s delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with talks being brokered by Oman.
This, the fifth round of renewed nuclear negotiations, is taking place amid reports of potential Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over coming weeks. It is also in response to the increasingly concerning uranium enrichment levels, now at 60%. Both the US and Iran are at a deadlock over concerns for enrichment reaching levels being intolerable to itself and to its key ally Israel. While Iran has publicly scolded any attempts at eliminating its nuclear program.
Both nations have red lines that don’t appear to intersect; Washington under Trump 2.0 won’t tolerate a nuclear Iran in any capacity, and Iran, with its backing of China and Russia, is more emboldened to continue enrichment. Today, if steps towards agreement are taken, there will be a door towards a non-military option for the US and potentially Israel. However, this is very precarious moment for the region, so if compromise is not reached, a wider conflict may open in the Persian Gulf. Furthermore, should today’s attempts at peace fail, expect a jump in oil prices, in anticipation of unilateral action by Israel.