Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Enter Crucial Stage: Stakes, Positions, and Regional Implications

Iran-U.S. Nuclear Talks Enter Crucial Stage: Stakes, Positions, and Regional Implications
Photo by David Köhler / Unsplash

Introduction

The nuclear standoff between Iran and the United States has reached a pivotal juncture. On April 17, 2025, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), described the ongoing negotiations as being at a “very crucial” stage during a visit to Tehran. The next round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks is scheduled for Saturday in Rome, with Oman serving as mediator. The outcome of these discussions could reshape the future of Iran’s nuclear program, regional security, and the broader balance of power in the Middle East. This report examines the current state of negotiations, the positions of both sides, the role of international mediators and watchdogs, and the far-reaching implications for the region and beyond.


Background: The Road to Rome

Collapse of the 2015 Nuclear Deal