US touts progress in nuclear talks with Iran, third round of negotiations to come

President Donald Trump has threatened to abandon the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, raising concerns about the future of negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in the region. Fox News senior strategic analyst Jack Keane recently discussed the latest developments in the Trump administration’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine, as well as the ongoing negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program.

The U.S. and Iran have agreed to meet for a third round of talks later this week in Muscat, Oman, following discussions in Italy with Omani intermediaries. While details of the negotiations have not been disclosed, a senior administration official described the progress as “very good.” The official expressed gratitude to Omani and Italian partners for facilitating the talks.

Reports indicated that Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaged in face-to-face discussions during the negotiations in Italy. This marks the second time in as many weeks that the two officials have met, suggesting some progress in the talks. However, the format of the discussions, which initially included both direct and indirect channels, has raised questions about the extent of the compromise between the two parties.

Araghchi shared a somewhat optimistic view of the negotiations in Italy, stating that there was a “relatively positive atmosphere” that enabled progress on the principles and objectives of a potential deal. He emphasized the need for caution and further expert-level discussions to determine the feasibility of reaching an agreement. The urgency of finding a solution to Iran’s nuclear program was underscored by President Trump and security experts, given the advanced state of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Experts have cautioned that any new agreement must be more comprehensive than the previous JCPOA and must address Iran’s advanced nuclear program. Behnam Ben Taleblu, an Iran expert, warned against allowing Iran to dictate the terms of a deal that only marginally modifies the original agreement. Retired Gen. Jack Keane echoed these concerns, highlighting Iran’s enhanced capabilities in 2025 compared to 2015.

Iran’s ability to produce advanced centrifuges and ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons has raised alarms about the potential risks of a new agreement. Keane emphasized the need for Iran to dismantle its manufacturing capabilities and eliminate its near-weapons-grade enriched uranium to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

As negotiations continue, the international community remains cautiously optimistic about the prospects for a peaceful resolution to Iran’s nuclear program. The evolving dynamics of the talks and the increasing urgency to reach an agreement underscore the complex challenges facing the Trump administration in its efforts to secure a lasting peace in the region.