US says nuclear talks with Iran made ‘very good progress,’ next round on April 26

The United States and Iran have made “very good progress” in discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program, with both sides describing recent negotiations as constructive. A US official confirmed that President Donald Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met face-to-face during the negotiations in Rome.

“Today, in Rome over four hours in our second round of talks, we made very good progress in our direct and indirect discussions,” the US official was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. The two countries now plan to meet again in Oman on April 26.

Ahead of the Oman meeting, technical-level talks will take place, signaling movement toward a potential agreement. Araghchi expressed hope, saying the two sides reached a better understanding of shared principles. Though the US acknowledged direct and indirect talks, Iranian officials maintained the discussions were indirect, with Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi mediating.

The move comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and deadly US airstrikes on Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Trump has pushed for a swift deal, reiterating his goal to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Mariano Grossi met with Witkoff and Italian officials before the Rome talks, underscoring the IAEA’s likely role in verifying compliance if a deal is reached. Italy’s foreign minister emphasized the importance of patience, dialogue, and mutual respect in diplomacy.

Witkoff and Araghchi both traveled extensively in recent days, with Araghchi visiting Moscow and meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Domestically, Iran is eager to stabilize its economy, with the rial recently recovering following news of the negotiations.

Two long-sought Airbus A330 jets arrived in Tehran last week, raising questions over US sanctions compliance, as the planes contain American-made parts.

While Iran maintains it will not surrender its right to enrichment, officials say it seeks a “balanced agreement.” Despite past hostilities, the recent talks mark a potentially historic shift in US-Iran relations.

(With inputs from agencies)