Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced that the fifth round of indirect talks with the United States was “one of the most professional rounds” to date. Speaking to Iran’s state-run IRIB TV after the meeting in Rome, Araghchi noted that the American side now has “a better and more clear understanding of our positions.”
The discussions covered various ideas, and both sides agreed to review them further. Plans are underway for the next round of talks, which Araghchi hopes will “enter details to some extent” if new solutions are accepted by both parties.
“These indirect talks won’t conclude in just two or three rounds due to their complexity,” Araghchi stated. “But the fact that we are now treading along a reasonable path is progress.”
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, echoed this sentiment on the social media platform X, describing the fifth round as conducted in a “calm and professional” atmosphere. Details about the date and venue of the next meeting will be announced later.
Oman’s Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi, also commented on X, saying the latest talks concluded “with some but not conclusive progress.” The discussions, mediated by Oman, have been ongoing since April, with previous rounds held in Muscat and Rome.
The recent meeting, led by Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, lasted over three hours. The primary focus remains on Tehran’s nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions.
In recent days, U.S. officials have reiterated demands for Iran to completely cease uranium enrichment—a request that Tehran has firmly rejected.
