Iran and the United States prepare for a critical round of nuclear negotiations in Rome as fundamental disagreements over uranium enrichment threaten to derail any potential breakthrough.

At a Glance

• The fifth round of Iran-US nuclear talks since April will take place Friday in Rome, with Oman serving as mediator
• Negotiations aim to replace the 2015 nuclear deal that the US withdrew from in 2018
• US negotiator has declared any Iranian uranium enrichment a “red line” while Iran calls enrichment “non-negotiable”
• Iran continues enriching uranium to 60%, far exceeding the 3.67% limit set in the original agreement
• European powers may trigger “snapback” UN sanctions if talks fail, with Iran warning of “irreversible” consequences

High-Stakes Negotiations Resume

Iran and the United States will hold their fifth round of nuclear talks this Friday in Rome, with Oman continuing its role as mediator. The meetings represent the highest-level contact between the two nations since the US withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The talks come amid escalating tensions over Iran’s advancing nuclear program and continued economic sanctions imposed by Western powers. While previous rounds have yielded little progress, diplomatic channels remain open despite fundamental disagreements on key issues.

The primary goal of these negotiations is establishing a new framework that would curb Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Western nations, led by the United States, continue to accuse Iran of seeking to develop atomic weapons capabilities.

Iranian officials maintain their nuclear program serves peaceful purposes only, including energy production and medical research. The negotiations face significant obstacles, with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently expressing deep skepticism about potential outcomes.

Iran and the United States will hold the next round of talks on the Islamic republic's nuclear programme in Rome later this week, Tehran and mediator Oman said Wednesdayhttps://t.co/NO8uOt06iy

— The New Arab (@The_NewArab) May 22, 2025

Fundamental Disagreements on Enrichment

The most contentious issue in the talks remains uranium enrichment. US negotiator Steve Witkoff has established a firm position against any Iranian uranium enrichment, declaring it a “red line” that cannot be crossed in any new agreement.

This stance represents a significant hardening of the American position compared to the 2015 deal, which permitted Iran to enrich uranium to 3.67% – a level suitable for civilian nuclear power but far below weapons-grade requirements. Iran has rejected this position outright, with officials stating that their right to enrich uranium is “non-negotiable.”

Since the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 and the reimposition of sanctions, Iran has systematically rolled back its commitments. The Islamic Republic now enriches uranium to 60% purity, dramatically closer to the 90% needed for weapons development. This escalation has alarmed Western powers and regional neighbors.

Technical experts note that moving from 60% to 90% enrichment requires relatively little additional time, potentially shortening Iran’s “breakout time” – the period needed to produce enough material for a nuclear weapon – to a matter of weeks.

European Powers Consider “Snapback” Sanctions

European signatories to the original nuclear deal find themselves in an increasingly difficult position. Britain, France, and Germany are reportedly considering triggering the “snapback” mechanism that would automatically reinstate United Nations sanctions on Iran due to its non-compliance with the original agreement. This option expires in October 2024, creating additional time pressure on the ongoing negotiations. The potential reimposition of multilateral UN sanctions would further isolate Iran’s economy and potentially trigger more aggressive responses from Tehran.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued stark warnings about such actions, stating that European moves to reimpose sanctions would have “irreversible” consequences for relations and regional stability. Iranian officials have also pointed to what they describe as American violations of the original agreement, arguing that the US withdrawal nullified their obligations to comply. The standoff reflects deeper questions about international agreements and enforcement mechanisms when major powers withdraw unilaterally.

🇮🇷 IRAN, U.S. TO TALK NUKES AGAIN—JUST NOT TO EACH OTHER

Backchannel diplomacy is back on: Iran and the U.S. will restart indirect nuclear talks this Sunday in Oman, marking round 4 of “we’ll talk, but not in the same room.”

Originally set for May 3 in Rome, the meeting got… https://t.co/IziCvIWIs1 pic.twitter.com/iDeoD5LPCh

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 9, 2025

Regional and Global Implications

The Rome talks carry significance far beyond bilateral US-Iran relations. Regional powers, particularly Israel and Saudi Arabia, are closely monitoring developments. Both nations have expressed concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and broader regional activities. Any agreement that permits Iranian uranium enrichment, even at limited levels, would likely face strong opposition from these key American allies. The negotiations also unfold against a backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and elsewhere that have further complicated Middle East dynamics.

For the Biden administration, the talks represent a challenging diplomatic test with significant domestic political implications. Critics of renewed engagement with Iran argue that Tehran cannot be trusted to comply with any agreement. Supporters maintain that diplomatic channels provide the only viable path to preventing nuclear proliferation in the region. As the Rome meeting approaches, expectations for a breakthrough remain low, but the continuation of talks itself represents a small positive sign amid otherwise deteriorating relations between the two longtime adversaries.