Talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program had appeared ready Monday to leave the Middle East, as an Italian source and others said the next round of negotiations would take place in Rome.

U.S. and Iranian officials held a first round of “constructive” talks over Tehran’s rapidly progressing nuclear program on Saturday in Oman, according to the White House. Steve Witkoff, the U.

President Donald Trump said on Monday he believes Iran is intentionally delaying a nuclear deal with the United States and that it must abandon any drive for a nuclear weapon or face a possible military strike on Tehran's atomic facilities.