Iranian and US officials will start expert-level meetings to establish a framework for an agreement from April 23, IRIB reported on April 19.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed the development in an interview following the second round of indirect talks between the two countries held in Rome on April 19.

He described the discussions as "progressive and positive" with both sides reaching agreement on several fundamental points.

"We had four hours of meeting today with positive results. We managed to reach a better understanding regarding a series of principles and objectives," Araghchi told IRIB.

According to Araghchi, experts will begin working on details of a framework for agreement in Oman, with results to be discussed during the next round of high-level talks scheduled for April 26 in Oman.

"We are neither optimistic nor pessimistic about the talks. We are taking the path in a cautious way still," he stated, adding, "I hope we will be in a clearer state after the upcoming meeting."

The foreign minister urged the public and media to avoid spreading rumours about the negotiations.

Tehran's financial markets reacted immediately to Araghchi's comments. The US dollar fell to IRR 840,000, down from IRR 866,000 earlier in the day. USDT (Tether) experienced an even steeper decline, trading at IRR 830,000 on online cryptocurrency exchanges.

The second round of negotiations between Iran and the United States was held on April 19 in Rome, with Muscat mediating discussions at one of Oman’s diplomatic sites in Italy.

According to Iranian officials, the format mirrored the first round, held on April 12, with exchanges conducted in writing and orally under the facilitation of the Omani Foreign Minister.  

Iranian authorities have clarified that the talks remain focused solely on nuclear-related matters, excluding defence capabilities and regional geopolitical issues. They have further affirmed that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and capabilities are not up for negotiation.

This round was to establish a general framework for future discussions. Leading the Iranian delegation was Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, joined by senior officials including Majid Takht Ravanchi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs; Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs; Esmail Baghaei, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson; and Behzad Saberi, an adviser to the Foreign Minister. The American delegation was led by Steve Witkoff, Washington’s chief negotiator.

Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, stated in a post on X that Iranian negotiators arrived in Rome with full authority to pursue an agreement guided by nine core principles: seriousness, guarantee, balance, lifting of sanctions, rejection of the Libya/UAE model, avoidance of threats, speed, containment of external intruders—specifically Israel—and investment facilitation.

“Iran has come for a balanced agreement, not surrender,” he added.

Echoing this sentiment, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Baghaei reiterated Iran’s adherence to international norms, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, affirming the country’s determination to safeguard its right to peaceful nuclear energy while fulfilling its obligations.

He criticised what he described as contradictory signals from US officials, urging Washington to clarify its position and demonstrate sincerity.

This refers to statements made by Witkoff, who seemingly acknowledged Iran’s 3.67% uranium enrichment in one interview but, in separate remarks, insisted that the country’s enrichment programme must be completely dismantled.

Baghaei warned against repeating past negotiation tactics, calling for a realistic and constructive approach free from external pressures.

In a post on X, he also reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy, acknowledging the challenges ahead but underlining the country’s determination to proceed with caution and resolve.