On April 18, 2025, Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed optimism about reaching a nuclear agreement with the U.S. provided Washington adopts a more “realistic” stance towards Iran’s demands and instead focuses on nuclear issues solely. Araghchi made these remarks after holding discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. When speaking, Araghchi stressed Iran remained open to negotiations so long as any demands from Washington do not represent “unrealistic demands”. AP News +2 and Reuters +2. The Economic Times
Oman hosted the inaugural round of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S., with both parties characterizing them as serious and constructive. A second round is due to take place this weekend in Rome. Iranian Envoy Abbas Araghchi delivered an update letter from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin about these negotiations;
The Economic Times | +3 | AP News | +4 [Araghchi delivered it as well], giving updates of negotiations proceedings and providing updates from Ayatollah Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin about ongoing indirect talks between these parties. The Economic Times | +3 | AP News | +4 | Russia| Russian President Vladimir Putin received this letter as well, giving updates of negotiation proceedings between each side. The Economic Times | +4 | AP News +3 | Reuters +3 Economic Times | +4
AP News +4 The Economic Times +4 The Economic Times +4 The Economic Times +4 AP News = The Economic Times +4 The Economic Times +4 @AP News * 3 [source +3 = 5], providing him on negotiations proceedings as it developed. It has also published reports from The Economic Times +4, which means 4
U.S. delegation leadership is overseen by Steve Witkoff, a real estate developer and close ally of President Donald Trump. Witkoff’s appointment has raised some concern due to his lack of diplomatic experience; nonetheless, he has been trusted with handling sensitive negotiations such as those regarding Russia-Ukraine conflict resolution or Israel-Hamas situations. The Times of Israel +5, AP News +5 and Reuters >5 all provide coverage on him as an influential negotiator.
Iran has proposed a three-step proposal designed to ease tensions and achieve an agreement:
Iranian officials offer access to frozen Iranian funds held in foreign banks in exchange for decreasing enrichment to 3.67%.
Iran agreed to disable the “snapback” mechanism that allows for the reimposition of UN sanctions, by ratifying the Non-Proliferation Treaty and ceasing high-level enrichment activities.
Finalizing a nuclear peace agreement, lifting all sanctions and transferring enriched uranium to third parties are steps toward peace.
Wikipedia However, Iran maintains its right to enrich uranium enrichment and stated in interviews with The Economic Times and Times of Israel that their enrichment program “is non-negotiable”. RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty confirmed this statement as fact.
President Donald Trump has warned of military action if Iran fails to agree on a deal, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed the administration’s preference for peaceful resolutions (Wikipedia +5 Reuters +5
NZ Herald).
As negotiations on an agreement near, both nations face the difficult challenge of reconciling their positions in order to avert further escalation and reach a mutually acceptable compromise.