Axios: Iran-US nuclear talks in Rome have made “significant progress”

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - International Service: According to Al Jazeera, citing the American news agency Axios, two informed sources have revealed that during these talks, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi told Steve Whittaker, the US special representative, that it would be difficult to reach a final agreement according to the timetable set by the previous US administration (the Trump era).

 

Araqchi suggested in this meeting that the two sides focus on an interim agreement as a first step. He warned that the remaining technical issues make it difficult to finalize a comprehensive agreement within 60 days.

 

However, Whittaker stressed that Washington intends to maintain its focus on a comprehensive agreement and will not discuss an interim agreement for now unless the two sides reach a deal by the end of the 60-day period. He described the period as “an opportunity to assess political seriousness.”

 

A U.S. official also told Axios that “good progress has been made in the Rome talks, although there are still challenges on the way to a final agreement.”

 

From the perspective of regional observers, the Rome talks are seen as a political test for both sides, especially at a time when regional tensions – including in Palestine, Yemen and the Persian Gulf – have cast a shadow over the diplomatic atmosphere. While the talks have been reported to be productive so far, fundamental gaps between Tehran and Washington’s views remain.

 

From Afghanistan's perspective, the return of Iran and the United States to the diplomatic path would not only have an impact on regional stability, but could also help reduce economic, security, and even transit tensions in the region. The success or failure of these negotiations is not limited to the nuclear program; it would have far-reaching consequences for the entire West Asia.