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Iran’s foreign minister described nuclear talks with the United States as “complicated” after a fifth round of indirect negotiations ended in Rome on Friday without a breakthrough, though officials from both sides said progress had been made.

The discussions, mediated by Oman, are the highest-level contact between the longtime adversaries since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord during Donald Trump’s first term as president. Since returning to office, Trump has revived his “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran, supporting diplomacy but warning of possible military action if talks fail.

Iran is seeking a new deal that would ease sanctions which have heavily impacted its economy.

“The negotiations are too complicated to be resolved in two or three meetings,” Iranian Foreign Minister and lead negotiator Abbas Araghchi told reporters following the talks in the Italian capital. “Our plan is to review these new solutions and proposals that, while preserving the principles and positions of Iran, could potentially be helpful.”

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‘Calm and professional atmosphere’

In a separate statement, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Friday’s negotiations were held in a “calm and professional atmosphere,” and noted that Iran’s “fundamental positions” were once again “clearly and transparently articulated.”

“It was agreed that alongside further reviews in the respective capitals, the Omani foreign minister would continue working on the details of the proposed ideas and provide them to both sides for further examination,” Baghaei said.

The time and location for the next round of talks will be determined and announced later, he added.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi described the fifth round on social media platform X as having brought “some but not conclusive progress,” and said it was “one of the most professional” rounds of talks yet.

“We hope to clarify the remaining issues in the coming days, to allow us to proceed towards the common goal of reaching a sustainable and honourable agreement,” he wrote.

Members of the Iranian delegation arrive for a fifth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States at the Omani embassy in Rome, Italy on May 23, 2025. (AFP Photo)

US says ‘there is still work to be done’

A senior U.S. official characterized the talks as “constructive,” saying they included both direct and indirect exchanges lasting over two hours. “We made further progress, but there is still work to be done,” the official said, adding that both sides had agreed to meet again.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei also confirmed that U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff had left the session due to “his flight schedule.”

The previous round of negotiations, held in the Omani capital Muscat, ended with a public dispute over uranium enrichment. Witkoff said Washington “could not authorise even one percent” enrichment — a stance Iran called a red line, citing its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Ahead of Friday’s talks, Araghchi acknowledged “fundamental differences” with the U.S. but signaled Tehran’s willingness to allow increased inspections of its nuclear sites. “We will not have an agreement at all,” he said, “if the United States wants to prevent Iran from enriching uranium.”

People walk near anti-U.S. mural with the slogan Down with the USA and skulls replacing the stars on the flag, in Tehran, Iran on May 20, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Curbing Iran’s nuclear program

The talks in Rome come ahead of a critical June meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna and the October expiration of key provisions in the 2015 accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The JCPOA aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from international sanctions. The deal was derailed in 2018 when the Trump administration unilaterally withdrew the U.S. and reimposed sweeping sanctions. Iran responded by ramping up its nuclear activity, and is now enriching uranium to 60% — far beyond the deal’s 3.67% limit, though still short of the 90% level required for a nuclear weapon.

The JCPOA allows for the reimposition of U.N. sanctions through a mechanism known as “snapback” if Iran is found to be violating its commitments. Britain, France and Germany — the European parties to the agreement — have warned they may trigger the mechanism if Europe’s security is at risk.

Araghchi warned that such a move would have serious repercussions. “It would not only mean the end of Europe’s role in the agreement, but also an escalation of tensions that could become irreversible,” he said.

May 23, 2025 11:21 PM GMT+03:00