There’s a significant gap between what the Trump administration says about the Iran nuclear talks and what’s actually happening behind the scenes. While President Trump has used tough language, threatening military action if Iran doesn’t cooperate, the talks have shown some promise.
Recently, Trump accused Iran of stalling and reiterated his threats to bomb their nuclear sites. He expressed frustration after the first round of talks in Oman, saying, “I think they’re tapping us along.” However, despite this negative tone, the initial discussions were labeled “constructive” by both Iran and the U.S.
A major sign of progress was the direct communication between Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff after their meeting. Iran had previously stated that any direct talks would depend on the success of indirect discussions. Reports indicated that their conversation lasted 45 minutes, which was seen as a positive development.
The talks, initially aimed at establishing a framework for future discussions, successfully led to a second round in Rome. There, the two sides agreed to work on a potential deal, paving the way for further meetings.
Despite Trump’s harsh rhetoric, it seems to contrast with the ongoing diplomatic efforts. Trump has stated that the main goal is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. His administration, particularly National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, has pushed for more stringent demands, including the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program. Witkoff echoed this sentiment on social media, calling for the elimination of Iran’s nuclear enrichment and weaponization.
After the second round of talks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that while Iran could have a civilian nuclear program, they would need to import uranium instead of enriching it themselves. This would allow Iran to run its power reactors without producing the higher-grade uranium needed for weapons.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made it clear that his team is not willing to negotiate the complete dismantling of their nuclear infrastructure. This indicates a potential clash between the two sides’ expectations.
Interestingly, the Omani foreign ministry, which mediated the talks, hinted that the negotiations might focus on verifiable limits on Iran’s civilian nuclear program. Trita Parsi, an expert on Iran, suggested that the talks aim for a verification-based solution.
Iran is also seeking assurances that the U.S. won’t withdraw from any agreement again, following their experience with the previous 2015 nuclear deal. They have shown a willingness to comply with limits on their enrichment levels in the past.
In summary, while the Trump administration’s public stance appears aggressive, behind closed doors, there are signs of a more moderate approach. The hope for a successful diplomatic resolution remains, despite the tough talk coming from Washington.