Why it matters:
The fifth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States is particularly sensitive because of Tehran's emphasis on its enrichment position and recent insistence by US officials on denying Iran this right under the NPT.
The big picture:
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Rome at the head of a diplomatic delegation to attend the fifth round of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S., mediated by Oman. Araghchi met his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, for a bilateral meeting before the talks.
What he's saying:
Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said: "As we enter the fifth round of negotiations, our goal and the established frameworks for achieving it remain steadfast."
"Iran's nuclear program is the result of the resilience, perseverance, and long-standing resistance of a nation that takes pride in an achievement gained through immense effort. It expects its representatives to act decisively and unwaveringly to safeguard the rights and interests of the Iranian people."
Context:
- The U.S. and Iran have not held direct official talks since Washington withdrew from Iran's nuclear deal, JCPOA, in 2018 during the Trump administration, reimposing severe sanctions on Iran.
- Since then, diplomatic efforts—often through intermediaries such as Oman and the EU—have tried to revive the accord, which curbed Iran’s nuclear activity in exchange for sanctions relief.
- Earlier rounds of talks have failed to yield a breakthrough, with Washington's inflexibility on key issues like verification, sanctions relief, enrichment, and regional security.
Go deeper:
Iran Signals Openness to Indirect Nuclear Talks With U.S.
seyed mohammad kazemi
