Megan Williams

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi and U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff didn't meet directly here in Rome, but instead passed messages through an Omani official, as they did in last week's talks in Muscat, which both sides called constructive. The U.S. wants Iran to scale back uranium enrichment and allow tougher international inspections. Iran wants sanctions relief in return.

There have been no direct negotiations between the two countries since 2015 under President Barack Obama. President Trump faces pressure from Israel to walk away. But for now, the diplomatic meetings continue. For NPR News, I'm Megan Williams in Rome.

There have been no direct negotiations between the two countries since 2015 under President Barack Obama. President Trump faces pressure from Israel to walk away. But for now, the diplomatic meetings continue. For NPR News, I'm Megan Williams in Rome.