U.S. and Iranian negotiators met in Rome for a second straight week, trying to revive a nuclear agreement even as President Donald Trump keeps brandishing military threats. Washington wants Tehran to halt all uranium enrichment above 3.67% and drop any weapons work; Iran insists enrichment itself is non‑negotiable, though it may accept stricter inspections. A third round of talks is set for next week, but both sides accuse the other of sending mixed messages.
The diplomatic push comes against a backdrop of saber‑rattling. Trump says Israel is “ready” if diplomacy fails, and six U.S. B‑2 bombers have redeployed to Diego Garcia. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calls the dialogue purely nuclear‑focused, not a response to threats, yet warns any strike would spark regional retaliation. Tehran has meanwhile deepened ties with Russia and hosted Saudi Arabia’s defense minister, underscoring the wider stakes.
Although both capitals described the opening round in Oman as “constructive,” trust is paper‑thin after Trump quit the 2015 deal and re‑imposed crushing sanctions. Iran now holds enough 60%‑enriched uranium for several bombs, while anti‑war protest fatigue and a battered economy pressure its leaders to find relief. Investors—and nervous neighbors—will watch next week’s session for signs that words can eclipse warplanes.
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