The second round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran began in Rome on Saturday, as both nations revisit discussions on Tehran’s civilian nuclear program and the potential lifting of US-imposed sanctions.

The closed-door talks are being held at the Omani Embassy in Rome and are led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US President’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.

Speaking on Friday in Moscow alongside his Russian counterpart, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution. “We are approaching the talks with seriousness and full determination, despite having serious doubts about the intentions of the other side,” he said. He added that Iran is open to an agreement if the US engages with sincerity and avoids unrealistic demands.

Araghchi also acknowledged Russia’s past role in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and expressed hope that Moscow would continue to support efforts for a renewed deal.

In Paris, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed a cautiously optimistic tone, stating, “The President made it clear that Iran will not have a nuclear weapon. We’re hoping the talks are fruitful and can lead to a lasting resolution—not just a temporary one.”

The initial round of talks took place last week in Muscat, Oman, where indirect discussions between Araghchi and Witkoff were facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. Those discussions focused on Iran’s nuclear advancements and the possibility of easing US sanctions.

The current diplomatic efforts follow heightened tensions, with US President Donald Trump previously threatening Iran with military action and economic penalties if an agreement is not reached.

Iran’s original nuclear deal, the JCPOA, was signed in 2015 with six global powers. However, in 2018, the US withdrew from the agreement and reimposed sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back its commitments under the deal. Since then, efforts to revive the accord have stalled repeatedly.