ROME—Negotiators from Iran and the United States completed a second round of nuclear talks in Rome, marking a measured step forward in their efforts to address Iran’s disputed nuclear program. Despite growing alarm across the Middle East and the broader international community over Iran’s ongoing sponsorship of terror networks—including groups openly sworn to Israel’s destruction—the discussions have remained strictly confined to nuclear issues, omitting any address of Iran’s regional operations, missile development, or its support for violent proxies.
Following a four-hour session, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the meetings as ‘positive,’ noting ‘understandings were reached regarding the negotiation management.’ The next phase will bring together American and Iranian technical experts on Wednesday to work through the complex details of nuclear restrictions, including uranium enrichment levels and civilian applications, with a subsequent meeting of senior officials set for Saturday in Oman. These moves are intended to clarify the outstanding gaps and determine prospects for a formal agreement.
Western and regional observers have voiced concerns that this nuclear focus leaves unchecked Iran’s role as the primary state sponsor of terrorism in the region. Since the October 7, 2023 massacre—the worst single day of antisemitic violence since the Holocaust—Hamas terrorists, directly backed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have continued their campaign of atrocities against Israeli civilians, while Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and affiliated groups in Syria and Iraq sustain hostilities against Israeli and Western targets. Despite this, Araghchi explicitly confirmed that ‘no subject unrelated to the nuclear program has been raised’ by the American delegation, a stance that excludes missile development and wider regional conduct from the negotiation table.
The lack of discussion about proxies and missile programs has triggered deep unease in Jerusalem and among Israel’s allies. Israeli officials warn that leaving these aspects unaddressed risks repeating the shortcomings of the original 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which many allege enabled Iran to ramp up its regional destabilization and terror financing under the cover of sanctioned relief. ‘A nuclear-only agreement leaves the door wide open for Iran to expand and arm its proxy network,’ noted one Israeli government source, referring to the ongoing threats faced by Israel from Iran’s partners across the Middle East.
Wednesday’s expert-level meetings between U.S. and Iranian officials are expected to focus on technical details, including uranium enrichment thresholds, permitted uses of nuclear technology, and monitoring mechanisms. Notably, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is not involved at this stage but is anticipated to play a crucial role in future verification and compliance structures if an agreement is reached.
Regional anxiety is compounded by Tehran’s record of using diplomatic engagement to secure economic relief while accelerating destabilizing activities. Both Israel and Western governments cite documented cases of IRGC funding, weapons smuggling, and operatives deployed across Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, and Iraq. The October 7 massacre and ensuing hostage crisis, where dozens of Israeli civilians remain captive in Hamas-controlled Gaza with Iranian support, underline the human stakes of the conflict and the high-risk consequences of isolated nuclear negotiations.
Iranian officials, while promoting the negotiations as signs of good faith, maintain their ballistic missile programs and support for proxies as non-negotiable aspects of national defense. Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian advised caution, stating that the path forward will depend on technical outcomes. Iranian state media continues to frame the talks as a signal of international acknowledgement of Iran’s position, while Western security analysts urge greater scrutiny of the regime’s intentions.
The outcome of these talks carries significant consequences for the region’s security architecture. Israel and its partners advocate for a comprehensive approach that not only delays Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but also confronts its broader campaign of violence and subversion against regional stability. Many caution that a narrow nuclear deal may empower Tehran to intensify its proxy warfare, emboldening groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis to escalate hostilities on multiple fronts.
As technical negotiations resume, the broader implications for Israel and global security remain unresolved. Whether the diplomatic process will evolve to address the full spectrum of Iranian threats—or continue along a narrow nuclear track—remains a matter of urgent international debate. Israel, facing a multifront campaign imposed by Iranian-backed armed groups, reiterates its unwavering commitment to defend its citizens, safeguard its sovereignty, and demand international vigilance against all manifestations of terror rooted in Tehran’s policies.
