US, Iran Expected to Hold Fifth Nuclear Talks in Rome

The fifth round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran is scheduled to take place in Rome on May 23, with Oman continuing to serve as the main mediator. These indirect negotiations follow four prior rounds since April and represent the highest-level engagement between the two nations since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal. The discussions aim to reach an agreement limiting Iran's uranium enrichment program in exchange for lifting international sanctions, though Iran insists its nuclear activities are solely peaceful and its right to enrich uranium is non-negotiable. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed skepticism about the talks' success, calling opposition to Iran's enrichment a “big mistake,” while the US negotiator has stated no uranium enrichment in Iran is acceptable. Uranium enrichment remains the key sticking point, as Iran currently enriches uranium up to 60 percent purity, exceeding limits set by the 2015 deal but below weapons-grade levels. Despite cautious optimism from some US officials, the talks face significant hurdles amid entrenched positions and ongoing regional tensions.