Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed strong doubts about Washington’s intentions just a day before fresh nuclear negotiations are set to resume in Rome. Despite these concerns, Araghchi confirmed that Iran will take part in the second round of talks with the United States, mediated by Oman and hosted in the Italian capital.
“Even though we deeply question the motives of the American side, we are committed to participating in the upcoming talks,” Araghchi stated during a joint press briefing in Moscow alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
This new round of dialogue comes shortly after the highest-level US-Iran contact since former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement—an act that led Iran to ramp up uranium enrichment to nearly weapons-grade levels (60% purity).
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is strictly for peaceful purposes. Araghchi reiterated Iran’s readiness to find a diplomatic resolution, stating, “We are fully prepared to pursue a peaceful solution regarding our peaceful nuclear program.”
Russia’s Lavrov offered Moscow’s support, saying his country stands ready to facilitate the negotiations in any way that serves both Iran’s and the US’s interests. As a major nuclear power and permanent member of the UN Security Council, Russia has played a recurring role in Iran’s nuclear diplomacy.
Despite Iran’s participation, there is no shortage of mistrust. Al Jazeera’s Tehran correspondent, Tohid Asadi, described the atmosphere as “a mix of doubt and hope,” with many Iranians wary of US intentions, especially after past agreements were scrapped unilaterally.
Iran has made it clear that its missile capabilities and regional influence are non-negotiable. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed that these military components remain off the table, calling them “red lines” imposed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
On uranium enrichment, Tehran stands firm. While it's open to some limits, Iranian officials stress they will never dismantle centrifuges or agree to stop enrichment entirely—terms they consider unacceptable.
Araghchi emphasized, “If the Americans come to the table with realistic expectations and drop their excessive demands, there’s a path forward.” However, he stressed that Iran expects solid guarantees that any future agreement won't be scrapped again as it was under Trump.
Lavrov echoed this sentiment, warning against dragging unrelated issues into the talks. “This negotiation must remain strictly focused on the nuclear file,” he said, cautioning against attempts to expand the scope of the dialogue.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that the United States seeks a peaceful outcome but remains adamant that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon. He urged European allies to maintain sanctions on Tehran until a verifiable agreement is reached.
Israel also restated its opposition to a nuclear-armed Iran. Defence Minister Israel Katz affirmed that the government is fully committed to “a clear course of action” to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.
With tensions high and both sides drawing red lines, all eyes now turn to Rome to see whether diplomacy can bridge the divide.
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