Why it matters:
Steve Witkoff leads the American delegation in the fifth round of indirect nuclear talks with Iran. His departure from the negotiations raises concerns amid escalating tensions regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment rights, which remain one of the key sticking points between the two sides.
What he's saying:
Baghaei clarified that Witkoff left due to a pre-scheduled flight and not due to any disruption in the dialogue. "Negotiations are continuing between technical delegations of both sides with the facilitation of Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi," he said.
Key points:
- Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi continues leading the negotiations with support from a high-level technical team.
- Talks remain focused on one of the most contested issues: Iran's uranium enrichment rights.
- Despite deep-rooted differences, the atmosphere of the dialogue is described as “professional and calm.”
Go deeper:
Before the current round, both Tehran and Washington had toughened their public positions. Iran emphasized it would not give up its legitimate enrichment rights under any deal, while the U.S. floated maximalist demands that risk stalling progress. With Oman mediating, diplomacy remains on edge, but still in motion.
ahmad shirzadian
