United States President Donald Trump signaled an imminent decision regarding Iran, amid growing diplomatic developments surrounding Tehran's nuclear program. The latest round of negotiations is scheduled for Saturday in Rome, with Italy officially confirming it will host the US-Iran discussions. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated the invitation came via Omani mediators, and Italy responded positively.

“We are ready to welcome, as always, meetings that can bring positive results, in this case on the nuclear issue,” Tajani noted during a visit to Osaka. The first round of talks, held in Oman, was described as positive by both sides despite conflicting reports on the duration of direct communication between delegations. While Iranian sources claimed the face-to-face between Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff lasted only minutes, Axios previously reported it lasted about 45 minutes.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed it is open to continued indirect negotiations, preferring Oman to retain its intermediary role. However, Trump took a firmer tone, stating, “Iran wants to deal with us, but they don't know how,” and reiterated that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon.” He warned the US could consider attacking Iranian nuclear facilities if Tehran pursues weapon development.

Adding to the tension, the European Council announced expanded sanctions on Iran for alleged human rights abuses. The EU targeted two Iranian institutions—Shiraz Central Prison and the First Branch of the Revolutionary Court of Shiraz—along with seven individuals. These sanctions were imposed in response to arbitrary detentions of EU citizens and restrictions on freedoms of expression, religion, and assembly. The Council cited a “dramatic increase” in executions as a key concern.

As diplomatic efforts intensify, the situation underscores both high-stakes nuclear negotiations and a deepening rift between Iran and the West over human rights and regional stability. The upcoming Rome talks may prove critical in determining the trajectory of US-Iran relations under President Trump’s administration.