US Envoy Leaves Rome Amid Fifth Round of Iran-US Nuclear Talks

In the heart of Rome’s diplomatic quarter, the fifth round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States got under way on Friday, with Oman serving as the mediator.

Yet the session took an unexpected turn when the head of the U.S. delegation, special envoy Steve Witkoff, stepped away from the talks. “The head of the American negotiating team left here a few minutes ago due to his flight schedule,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told state TV.

Representing Iran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi leads his country’s side, while Steve Witkoff heads the U.S. team in these talks that aim to thaw tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program. Oman’s involvement underscores the region’s growing role in bridging divides on critical security issues.

Though Witkoff’s brief departure was logistical, it has captured global attention as observers monitor every development.

With delegates regrouping, eyes are now on the talks’ next phases. For the worldwide community of young leaders, entrepreneurs, and travelers, these discussions represent more than diplomatic back-and-forth—they’re a litmus test for potential stability in one of the world’s most complex regions.

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Iran says head of U.S. delegation has left nuclear talks in Rome

cgtn.com