«تقدم غير حاسم» في الجولة الخامسة من مفاوضات أمريكا وإيران في روما

The fifth round of American-Iranian talks aimed at resolving a decades-long dispute over Tehran's nuclear ambitions concluded today (Friday) in the Italian capital, Rome.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi announced that the fifth round of Iranian-American negotiations ended in Rome with "some progress, but it is not decisive."

The minister added: "We hope to clarify the remaining issues in the coming days, allowing us to move forward toward the common goal of reaching a sustainable agreement."

Araqi: The talks are complex

For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated in remarks to Iranian television that there is potential for progress in the nuclear talks with the proposals being presented by Oman.

He continued: "The American side understands our demands now more clearly and deeply than before," noting that the nuclear talks with Washington are "complex and require more of them."

The fifth round of Iranian-American negotiations in Rome concluded after three hours from its start, according to an American official.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the negotiations took place in a professional atmosphere.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry clarified today that what is being published about the content of the negotiations is merely speculation, indicating that the ongoing negotiations in Rome are indirect.

Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that American negotiator Steve Wietkoff left the negotiations in Rome due to his flight schedule, noting that the negotiations are still ongoing.

Omani Mediation

The Iranian and American negotiators began the fifth round of talks regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, mediated by the Sultanate of Oman in Rome on Friday, according to Iranian media.

Tehran and Washington began discussions on April 12 regarding the Iranian nuclear program.

The Tasnim news agency reported that the indirect negotiations began, chaired by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and the American special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Wietkoff, with mediation from the Sultanate of Oman.

This dialogue represents the highest-level communication between the two countries since the international agreement reached with Tehran in 2015 regarding its nuclear program, from which the United States withdrew during the first term of President Donald Trump (2017-2021) in 2018.

Israeli Threats

In contrast, an American source told Axios that American special envoy for the Middle East Steve Wietkoff met before the negotiations with Iran in Rome with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and the head of the Israeli intelligence agency "Mossad," David Barnea.

The visit of the Israeli officials aims to coordinate positions between the U.S. and Israel and to receive a "direct briefing."

As Israel prepares to launch an attack on Iranian nuclear sites in the event of a collapse of the nuclear talks, a source stated that "Israel believes that the opportunity for a successful attack on Iran may soon fade."

Before the conclusion of the negotiations, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baqaei stated that Iran will present its legitimate positions regarding the peaceful use of nuclear energy and the lifting of sanctions seriously and firmly.

Baqaei, upon arriving at the Omani embassy in Rome, noted that the fifth round comes as a continuation of the process that began on April 13 in Muscat, pointing out that it is natural for each round to have its own sensitivities. Given the new round of new American sanctions, these issues will be raised explicitly with the other side.

The stakes remain high for both countries, as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to limit Tehran's ability to produce a nuclear weapon and prevent it from enriching uranium. On the other hand, Iran wants to rid itself of the devastating sanctions imposed on its oil-dependent economy.