U.S.-Iran nuclear talks show "some progress," no breakthrough in 5th round
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Italian police outside the Omani embassy in Rome where the nuclear talks took place. Photo: Andreas Solaro/AFP via Getty
The fifth round of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran in Rome ended Friday with "some but not conclusive progress," according to Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who is mediating between the parties.
Why it matters: In recent days the negotiations have hit a roadblock over the fact that Iran says it will only sign a deal that permits a domestic enrichment capability, and the U.S. has said enrichment is its red line.
- Israel has been making preparations to swiftly strike Iran's nuclear sites if U.S.-Iran nuclear talks break down in the coming weeks.
- One source told Axios that Israel believes its operational window for a successful strike could close soon.
Driving the news: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Iranian media after Fridays' talks that the discussions are very complicated and further negotiations are needed. He said al-Busaidi had presented several ideas to try to bridge the gaps between the sides.
- The State Department said special envoy Steve Witkoff and planning director Michael Anton took part in "over two hours" of direct and indirect talks with Araghchi and his team.
- "The talks continue to be constructive — we made further progress, but there is still work to be done. Both sides agreed to meet again in the near future. We are grateful to our Omani partners for their continued facilitation," the U.S. statement said.
Split screen: Shortly before the talks began, Witkoff met in Rome with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and the director of Israel's Mossad spy agency, David Barnea, according to a U.S. source.
- The Israeli government is very skeptical of the talks and is preparing for a military option, despite the massive risks of attacking Iran's nuclear facilities.
- Iran threatened Thursday to move its nuclear material to undisclosed locations to thwart any Israeli strike.
What's next: "We hope to clarify the remaining issues in the coming days, to allow us to proceed towards the common goal of reaching a sustainable and honorable agreement," said al-Busaidi, the Omani mediator.
This story was updated with comments from the State Department.
