U.S. negotiators have reported significant advancements during the second round of nuclear discussions with Iran held in Rome, with plans to reconvene with their Iranian counterparts next week. A U.S. official indicated that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, participated in over four hours of both direct and indirect dialogue, as reported by The Hill.

A senior U.S. administration official expressed gratitude towards their Omani partners for facilitating the talks and to their Italian hosts for providing the venue, stating, “We agreed to meet again next week.” Following the discussions, Araghchi remarked that progress had been achieved regarding the “principles and objectives” of a potential agreement, with technical-level discussions expected to commence in the “coming days.”

He emphasized that many in Iran feel the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is no longer satisfactory, viewing the remnants of the deal as merely “lessons learned.” Araghchi expressed his personal agreement with this sentiment and announced that expert-level discussions would begin shortly to finalize the details.

“After that, we will be in a better position to assess the situation,” the Iranian foreign minister added. “For now, while there is room for optimism, it must be approached with considerable caution.” Araghchi and Witkoff are scheduled to meet again next Saturday.

The meeting on Saturday indicated progress as President Trump continues to advocate for a new agreement with Iran in light of Tehran’s advancing nuclear program. Trump has consistently asserted that Iran should not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons and has hinted that military action could be considered if diplomatic efforts fail. Oman has announced that both parties are preparing to enter the next phase of negotiations, with the goal of reaching an agreement that prevents Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while also addressing the issue of sanctions relief.

Araghchi and Witkoff are engaging in these discussions with the mediation of Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad.A representative from Oman’s foreign ministry stated on Saturday, as reported by The Hill, “Only through dialogue and effective communication can we reach a credible agreement and understanding that benefits all parties involved, both regionally and internationally. It has also been decided that the next round of discussions will occur in Muscat in the coming days.”

The second round of negotiations commenced at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time at the residence of the Omani ambassador, according to a U.S. official speaking to The Hill on Saturday.

During a press conference at the White House on Thursday, President Trump expressed, “I believe Iran has the potential to become a prosperous nation and to live in peace, free from violence — that is my preferred outcome.”

Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated in a post on X on Saturday that Iran has consistently shown its commitment to diplomacy as a civilized means of resolving conflicts, acting with good faith and a sense of responsibility in consideration of the Iranian nation’s best interests. He added, “We recognize that the journey may be challenging, but we proceed with awareness, drawing on our past experiences.”

Prior to the discussions with Iran on Saturday, President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, held a meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi in Rome, as reported by a diplomatic source to The Hill.

These discussions in Italy followed the initial round of negotiations that took place last week in Oman, which both parties characterized as “constructive.” Witkoff also engaged in a direct meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi towards the end of the session, according to The Hill.