In what Tehran describes as its "most professional" engagement with Washington yet, Iran and the U.S. wrapped up the fifth round of indirect talks in Rome. Led by Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, the three-hour session explored fresh ideas to revive the 2015 nuclear deal and lift sanctions.
"I think the American side has a clearer understanding of our positions," Araghchi told IRIB TV after the meeting. He noted that while conclusions won’t come overnight, treading a "reasonable path" represents real progress in a process that started in Muscat back in April.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei echoed this sentiment on X, describing the talks as "calm and professional." Oman’s foreign minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, who mediates these indirect sessions, noted "some but not conclusive progress."
Across five rounds—three in Muscat and two in Rome—delegates have flagged key sticking points, most notably Washington’s call for a complete halt to uranium enrichment, a demand Iran firmly rejects. Observers say upcoming discussions will dive deeper into technical solutions, timeline frameworks, and verification mechanisms.
With energy markets and regional stability on edge, the next round could determine whether these professional gestures translate into tangible breakthroughs or set the stage for more detailed negotiations later this year.
Reference(s):
Iran says fifth round of U.S. talks is 'most professional' so far
cgtn.com
