Iran, US to Hold Second Round of Nuclear Talks, Iran to Consult with Russia

Iran and the United States are set to hold a second round of indirect talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program, following a “positive” initial meeting in Oman over the weekend, Al Jazeera reports.

Amidst these developments, Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will travel to Moscow this week for consultations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, underscoring Russia’s continued role as a key player in the negotiations.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced Araghchi’s upcoming visit on Monday, stating that it was “planned in advance, but there will be consultations regarding the talks with the US,” according to spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei.

Both Iran and the US described the initial talks in Oman as “positive” and “constructive,” although negotiations remain indirect, with Oman acting as mediator. The two nations have agreed to reconvene on Saturday, with reports suggesting Rome as the potential host city, although Iran reportedly prefers Geneva.

The US and its Western allies have long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran vehemently denies, asserting that its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes.

Iran’s renewed diplomatic push to resolve the nuclear dispute and lift sanctions has gained momentum amidst mounting pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action.

Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, was a signatory to the 2015 nuclear agreement (JCPOA), which saw international inspections agreed upon and sanctions eased. However, Trump withdrew the US from the agreement in 2018.

Amid the renewed negotiations, Moscow has consistently advocated for diplomatic engagement over actions that could lead to escalation. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed that Lavrov will meet with Araghchi this week, stating that “We are expecting Iranian colleagues, talks with Sergey Lavrov as well as meetings with Russian officials are planned.”

The consultations in Moscow extend the existing contacts between the allies regarding the nuclear talks. Prior to the meeting in Oman, Russia, Iran, and China held joint consultations on the issue.

In contrast, Washington’s Western allies, already sidelined in discussions over the war in Ukraine, are keen to avoid a similar fate regarding Iran.

As the next round of talks approaches, both Iran and the US are offering cautious signals. While the exact location of the upcoming meeting remains unconfirmed by Tehran, media reports indicate it will take place in Rome.

Iran continues to insist that the talks will be solely focused on the “nuclear issue and lifting of sanctions,” and that it “will not have any talks with the American side on any other issue.”

Trump, however, has stated that the talks were “going OK” and told reporters that he expects a quick decision on the nuclear program following consultations with his advisors.