‘Not rocket science’: Iran, US hold fifth round of nuclear talks in Rome under enrichment shadow

Set to travel to Rome for 5th round of indirect talks with the United States.

Figuring out the path to a deal is not rocket science:

Zero nuclear weapons = we DO have a deal.
Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal.

Time to decide…

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 22, 2025

The negotiations are being mediated by Oman, which has served as a trusted go-between in the past. Talks began at the Omani Embassy in Rome’s Camilluccia area around 2 pm, according to Iranian media. Convoys of officials arrived about an hour earlier.

The US is represented by Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff and Michael Anton, the policy planning director at the State Department. President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance, with US officials, including him, insisting that Iran should not be allowed to enrich uranium at all under any agreement.

Enrichment remains the key issue. Iran currently enriches uranium close to weapons-grade levels. A recent report from the US Defense Intelligence Agency stated: “Iran almost certainly is not producing nuclear weapons, but Iran has undertaken activities in recent years that better position it to produce them, if it chooses to do so.” The report added that Iran could now produce enough weapons-grade uranium for a bomb in less than a week, although building a usable weapon would likely take months.

Initially, US officials discussed allowing Iran to enrich uranium at 3.67 per cent, the limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal. However, that position has since hardened, with the current US demand being zero enrichment. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Thursday that it believes “that we are going to succeed” in reaching a deal, and that Iran understands the American position.

One proposal under discussion involves Iran halting domestic enrichment but receiving low-enriched uranium from a regional consortium backed by the US and neighbouring countries. A similar idea was proposed in 2010 but did not gain support. Iran’s government continues to insist that enrichment must happen within the country.

Tensions remain high in the region. Israel has warned that it may take military action against Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran responded with a warning of its own. Araghchi said Thursday that Iran would take “special measures” to protect its nuclear sites if Israel continues its threats and would consider the US responsible if an Israeli strike occurs.

In a symbolic gesture, Iranian authorities allowed students to form a human chain around the Fordo enrichment facility on Thursday. The site is located underground and heavily fortified.

Iran is facing economic pressure. The value of the Iranian rial has dropped significantly, reaching over 1 million to the US dollar in April. The currency has shown signs of improvement with the ongoing talks. However, rising costs and unrest over domestic issues such as the mandatory hijab law and potential increases in fuel prices have added to internal tensions.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has continued to impose new sanctions. This week, the US targeted sales of sodium perchlorate to Iran. The chemical, reportedly shipped from China, arrived at the Shahid Rajaei port near Bandar Abbas. A major explosion at the port in April killed dozens and injured more than 1,000 people.

(With inputs from AP)