ROME (AP) The diplomatic arena is heating up as Iran and the United States prepare for a significant second round of negotiations regarding Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program. These crucial discussions are set to take place in Rome over the Easter weekend, bringing together key figures from both nations as they seek to navigate the complexities of this high-stakes dialogue.

The meetings will once again focus on billionaire Steve Witkoff, who serves as the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East under President Donald Trump, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The success of these negotiations may hinge on the ability of these two influential leaders to find common ground amid a backdrop of long-standing tensions.

The mere fact that these talks are occurring marks a historic moment, especially considering the decades of animosity that have existed between Iran and the United States since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, which was compounded by the subsequent U.S. Embassy hostage crisis. In 2018, President Trump made headlines by unilaterally withdrawing from the nuclear deal that had been established between Iran and several world powers. This decision sparked a series of escalating conflicts and diplomatic negotiations, ultimately failing to restore the agreement that had previously placed significant limits on Tehran's uranium enrichment activities in exchange for a reduction in crippling economic sanctions.

As the stakes rise, concerns loom over the potential for military action, with both American and Israeli forces eyeing Iran's nuclear sites. Simultaneously, Iranian leaders have not shied away from vocalizing their willingness to pursue the development of an atomic weapon, further intensifying the situation. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and recent U.S. airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, which resulted in heavy casualties, have only exacerbated the already volatile environment in the Middle East.

In a statement made on Friday, Trump emphasized his stance on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, asserting, I want Iran to be great and prosperous and terrific. His comments reflect a broader desire for stability in the region, yet many analysts question how effective such negotiations can be given the fragmented history of diplomacy between the two nations.

In response to the forthcoming talks, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei took to social media platform X, expressing that Iran has consistently shown a commitment to diplomacy as a civilized method for resolving conflicts. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, We are aware that it is not a smooth path but we take every step with open eyes, relying also on the past experiences. This statement reinforces Iran's intention to approach the negotiations with a degree of pragmatism, despite the myriad issues at play.

In the lead-up to the talks, both Witkoff and Araghchi have been actively engaged in discussions in various locations. Witkoff recently traveled to Paris for discussions pertaining to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, while Araghchi is en route from Tehran after a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Russia, as a key player in the 2015 nuclear deal, could play a pivotal role in any future agreements reached between Tehran and Washington. Analysts suggest that Moscow may even consider taking custody of Irans uranium enriched to 60% purity, which is alarmingly close to the threshold for weapons-grade uranium.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who successfully mediated the first round of talks, has already arrived in Rome and met with his Italian counterpart on Friday. His role is critical as he facilitates communication between the two countries, demonstrating Omans longstanding position as a diplomatic bridge between Iran and the West. Muscat was the venue for the initial discussions last weekend, allowing Araghchi and Witkoff to meet face-to-face for the first time after a series of indirect negotiations.

Amidst these high-stakes negotiations, Iran's domestic situation remains precarious. Internal politics are fraught with tensions over the mandatory hijab law, which has spurred significant protests, particularly among women who are actively defying the law in Tehran. Additionally, there are persistent rumors that the Iranian government may increase the cost of subsidized gasolinea move that could instigate nationwide unrest as seen in previous years.

On the economic front, Iran's currency, the rial, has seen a dramatic decline, plummeting to over 1 million rials per U.S. dollar earlier this month. However, recent developments surrounding the negotiations have provided a glimmer of hope, as the rial has begun to recover somewhat due to the ongoing talks. In another positive development, two used Airbus A330-200 aircraft, long sought by Irans national airline, Iran Air, arrived at Tehrans Mehrabad International Airport on Thursday. These planes, previously owned by Chinas Hainan Airlines, had been in Muscat and have now been re-registered under Iranian ownership.

It is important to note that these Airbus aircraft are equipped with Rolls-Royce engines, which contain significant American parts. As such, any transaction involving these planes would require explicit approval from the U.S. Treasury, given the ongoing sanctions against Iran. Neither the State Department nor the Treasury responded immediately to requests for comment regarding this matter.

Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was permitted to purchase new aircraft, and the country had lined up potential deals worth tens of billions of dollars with major manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing. However, these plans were abruptly halted following Trumps withdrawal from the agreement, underscoring the fragility of international relations surrounding Irans nuclear ambitions.

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Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Associated Press writer Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.