Tehran/Rome – April 19 2025 — As high-level nuclear talks between Iran and the US prepare to start in Rome, Iranian officials have expressed doubt over Washington’s true intentions, casting an early shadow over this anticipated diplomatic engagement.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry released late Friday a statement from a senior official who expressed doubt about the sincerity of American diplomats, while cautioning that any negotiations without true political will would ultimately fail. These comments came just hours before Iranian and U.S. diplomats meet in Rome to discuss revival of 2015 nuclear agreement known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
While both sides recognize the significance of returning to negotiations, Tehran’s reservations indicate a great deal of mutual mistrust still remains between them. Tehran insists that Washington first lift its “illegal sanctions,” providing verifiable assurances that they won’t unilaterally exit again like they did under Trump administration.
“The Iranian people will not accept empty promises; trust must be rebuilt through actions rather than words,” noted Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani at a press briefing.
However, the U.S. State Department responded cautiously, emphasizing its full commitment to diplomatic resolution and welcoming any opportunity to engage Iran in meaningful dialogue again. They stressed that sanctions relief will only follow “clear steps toward compliance” with nuclear restrictions outlined in the original agreement.
Analysts suspect Iran’s public expressions of doubt could be part of its plan to strengthen its bargaining position ahead of any negotiations. “This is classic pre-negotiation posturing by Iran – they want to enter discussions from a position of strength,” noted Sara Monti, an Middle East policy expert based in Rome.
Italian host government, acting as mediator in these discussions, has encouraged both sides to engage in “honest and focused dialogue”, taking advantage of Rome’s neutral stance and diplomatic channels for indirect but fruitful exchanges.
As negotiations kick off amid suspicion and geopolitical tension, the international community is closely watching to see whether these discussions result in genuine progress or remain mired in distrustful behaviors.