Iran and the United States will embark upon high-stakes nuclear negotiations today in Rome, Italy; marking their first face-to-face dialogue in over a year. Discussions should center around revitalizing key elements of 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Both nations hope that such meetings can reduce tensions while also halt further nuclear proliferation in the Middle East region.
Diplomats from both nations arrived in Rome this weekend under tight security, marking a cautious yet hopeful approach to renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran. Italian officials acting as neutral hosts have expressed optimism that Rome could serve as a peaceful setting for constructive dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
These talks come amid increasing international concern over Iran’s increasing uranium enrichment activities and lack of cooperation with international nuclear inspectors, while pressure from European allies for finding a diplomatic solution and avoiding further destabilization in the region has mounted on the U.S. to find one quickly.
“These discussions are essential to prevent further escalation and restore a pathway for peaceful nuclear cooperation,” according to a U.S. State Department spokesperson, according to reporters. Iran insists on maintaining that their nuclear program remains peaceful while insisting all U.S. sanctions be lifted before making meaningful concessions or agreements are possible.
Sources close to the negotiation teams suggest that early discussions will center around confidence-building measures such as prisoner exchanges, loosening of sanctions against certain nations and renewed commitments to IAEA inspections. Yet immediate breakthroughs should not be expected due to deep mistrust that has developed.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Lorenzo Ferrari called the dialogue an essential step towards regional and global security, and encouraged both parties to approach it with realistic goals and open minds.
Although Rome may only serve as the starting point, its results could profoundly alter Middle Eastern geopolitics in coming months. Global observers will closely follow as two longtime enemies test out diplomacy again.
Live updates of Rome talks should continue throughout the day as negotiators embark on what could become an intricate path toward nuclear understanding.