Italy confirms second US-Iran nuclear talks to take place in Rome

A second round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran will be held in Rome, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani was reported as saying on Monday by the country’s main news agency ANSA.

Iran and the U.S. said they held “positive” and “constructive” talks in Oman on Saturday and agreed to reconvene this week.

“We received a request from the interested parties and from Oman, which is playing the role of mediator, and we have given a positive response,” Tajani was quoted by ANSA as saying at the world Expo exhibition in the Japanese city of Osaka.

Rome has often hosted these types of talks, Tajani said, and is “prepared to do everything it takes to support all negotiations that can lead to a resolution of the nuclear issue, and to building peace”.

Earlier, U.S. news agency Axios, citing two unnamed sources with knowledge of the matter, reported that the second round of the U.S.-Iranian talks would be held in Rome on Saturday.

An Iranian insider close to the government told the Reuters news agency that the U.S. wanted Rome, while Iran preferred Geneva.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened military action if no deal is reached on halting Iran’s nuclear program, told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday that he met with advisers on Iran and expected a quick decision. He gave no further details.

Separately, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will visit ally Russia this week for talks prior to the second round of Iran-U.S. negotiations.

Two Iranian officials told Reuters they thought Trump’s latest approach would follow a pattern of threats followed by retreat, akin to his handling of Greenland, Gaza and tariffs.

Some Iranian officials believe Trump’s business background could make him more receptive to a deal if it includes economic incentives such as a potential purchase of U.S.-made planes or unlocking of Iran’s economy for U.S. investors.

In further diplomatic movement around the issue, U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi will visit Tehran on Wednesday.