Iran-US Nuclear Talks Near Crucial Agreement Amid Growing Concerns

Nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States have entered a critical phase, with both sides set to meet in Rome amid growing international concern over Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has emphasized the urgency of reaching a deal soon, warning that Iran is not far from possessing nuclear weapons capability given its significant stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Grossi has also stated that the IAEA would play a central role in verifying any potential agreement. High-level diplomatic engagement is intensifying, highlighted by a rare visit from Saudi Arabia’s defense minister to Tehran, signaling broader regional stakes. The talks occur against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, especially with the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and repeated threats from President Trump of military action if diplomacy fails. Iranian officials have warned that, absent a deal, they may pursue nuclear weapons, while Western governments remain skeptical of Tehran’s intentions and stress the need for robust verification.