Rome, Italy – The United States and Iran are set to resume indirect nuclear negotiations on May 23 in Rome, marking the fifth round of talks mediated by Oman since April, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced.
Despite having no formal diplomatic ties for decades, Washington and Tehran have continued indirect discussions aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The negotiations seek to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from U.S. sanctions. However, fundamental disagreements—particularly over uranium enrichment—remain unresolved.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s hardline position on Wednesday, declaring that uranium enrichment would continue regardless of the outcome of negotiations. “I have said it before, and I repeat it again: uranium enrichment in Iran will continue—with or without an agreement,” Araghchi said on state television.
While confirming Iran’s participation in the Rome talks, Araghchi emphasized Tehran’s commitment to diplomacy but rejected what he described as “excessive demands.” “We will always be present at the negotiating table,” he said, “but we stand against excessive demands and rhetoric.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei echoed that sentiment on Tuesday, asserting, “They say, ‘We won’t allow Iran to enrich uranium.’ That’s way out of line. Iran does not need permission to enrich uranium.”
Since the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, Iran has expanded its nuclear activities. The original agreement limited uranium enrichment to 3.67% and capped Iran’s stockpile at 300 kilograms. Iran is now enriching uranium up to 60% purity—just short of weapons-grade 90%.
Khamenei also expressed skepticism about the negotiations, stating, “I don’t think nuclear talks with the U.S. will bring results.”
The U.S. has yet to formally confirm its attendance at the Rome meeting. American officials, including former President Trump and current Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have maintained that any renewed deal must require Iran to abandon uranium enrichment altogether—a condition Iran has firmly rejected.
Check Today’s Weather Report : Click Here
Leave a comment