Iran Engages in Diplomatic Flurry Ahead of US Nuclear Talks
TEHRAN/MOSCOW, April 17, 2025 - Iran has intensified its diplomatic efforts on multiple fronts as it prepares for a crucial round of nuclear talks with the United States this weekend in Rome. The flurry of activity comes amid rising tensions and threats of military action from Washington.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dispatched Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to Moscow on Thursday, carrying a letter for Russian President Vladimir Putin [1][2]. The move is seen as an attempt to shore up support from Iran's longstanding ally ahead of the negotiations.
"Iran's right to enrich uranium is not negotiable," Araqchi stated on Wednesday, setting a firm stance before the talks [1].
Meanwhile, in a significant diplomatic development, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman arrived in Tehran on Thursday for high-level meetings [3][4]. This marks the highest-level visit by a Saudi royal to Iran in decades, highlighting a potential thaw in relations between the regional rivals [8].
The Saudi minister is expected to discuss bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and counter-terrorism coordination with Iranian officials [3]. This visit is particularly noteworthy given the historical tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
These diplomatic maneuvers come against a backdrop of escalating pressure from the United States. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran with military action and economic sanctions if an agreement on its nuclear program is not reached [1][2]. The U.S. has also moved additional warplanes into the region, further heightening tensions [1].
Despite the tense atmosphere, both Iran and the U.S. described their initial talks in Oman last weekend as "positive and constructive" [1][2]. The upcoming Rome negotiations are seen as a critical juncture in determining the future of Iran's nuclear program and its relations with the West.
Adding to the complex geopolitical landscape, Russia's upper house of parliament ratified a sweeping 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Iran on Wednesday [5][6]. This move deepens military and nuclear cooperation between Moscow and Tehran, potentially complicating the dynamics of the nuclear negotiations.
As the region braces for the outcome of the Rome talks, Iran's multi-pronged diplomatic approach underscores the high stakes involved and the intricate balance of power in the Middle East.