Araqchi Expresses Cautious Optimism Following Iran-U.S. Talks in Rome

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has described the recent negotiations between Iran and the United States in Rome as having taken place in a “relatively positive atmosphere,” signaling cautious optimism about the potential for progress on a renewed agreement.

In a post on his official X account on Saturday night, Araqchi stated that the improved environment during the Rome talks had allowed both sides to advance discussions on the “principles and objectives of a possible deal.”

The second round of indirect discussions between Tehran and Washington concluded on Saturday, with both parties agreeing to continue talks aimed at addressing Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions.

Araqchi emphasized that the Iranian delegation conveyed a firm message during the negotiations—that a large segment of the Iranian public now views the 2015 nuclear accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as insufficient.

“To them, what is left from that deal are ‘lessons learned,’” he said, noting that he personally shares this perspective. Araqchi’s remarks were a clear reference to the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 and its reimposition of sweeping sanctions on Iran, despite Iran’s continued compliance with its commitments under the deal.

The foreign minister also confirmed that technical-level negotiations are set to commence in the coming days. “We will be in a better position to judge” the outcome of the ongoing diplomatic efforts once these expert discussions have taken place, he stated. “For now, optimism may be warranted but only with a great deal of caution,” Araqchi concluded.

In a related statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei expressed gratitude to Italy and Oman for co-hosting the negotiations. Writing on X, Baqaei said the Iranian delegation was departing Rome with “a sense of deep appreciation” for the two countries’ support of the diplomatic process.

“We remain committed to the cause of dialogue and diplomacy as our world continues to face unprecedented challenges and threats to the rule of law and common human values,” Baqaei added.

The Rome talks followed a prior round of discussions held last Saturday in Muscat, Oman. Araqchi led the Iranian delegation in both rounds, while the U.S. team was headed by Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy under former President Donald Trump.

The latest developments reflect renewed, albeit cautious, momentum in diplomatic efforts to address long-standing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear file.