US-Iran Nuclear talks resume in Rome amid Stalemate

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Friday, May 23rd, 2025

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Sources Anadolu Agency
The fifth round of indirect nuclear talks between the United States and Iran began on Friday in Rome, with Oman again serving as mediator, Iranian state outlet Press TV reported.
Iran’s delegation is led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, while US President Donald Trump’s regional envoy, Steve Witkoff, heads the American side. The negotiations aim to resolve longstanding disagreements over Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities.
Ahead of his departure, Araghchi reiterated Iran’s firm stance: enrichment will continue, and a deal is only possible if Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology is respected. “Zero nuclear weapons mean a deal. Zero enrichment means no deal,” he posted on X.
The renewed diplomacy, following a previous round in Oman that ended on May 11, is focused on lifting international sanctions in return for curbing parts of Iran’s nuclear program without surrendering its enrichment rights.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that Washington seeks an agreement enabling Iran to operate a peaceful nuclear program without uranium enrichment. He acknowledged the challenge, saying, “It won’t be easy.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called the US demand to eliminate enrichment “excessive and outrageous,” warning that a resolution remains unlikely.
A major sticking point remains Tehran’s refusal to export its stockpile of highly enriched uranium or include its ballistic missile program in discussions. While Iran has shown openness to some restrictions, it demands solid assurances that Washington will honor any future agreement.
Both sides described the previous round as cautiously positive Tehran called it “difficult but useful,” while Washington deemed it “encouraging.” The outcome of the Rome talks may determine whether any diplomatic breakthrough is achievable.