Oman, the mediator in US-Iran nuclear discussions, reports 'certain' advancement
US-Iran Nuclear Talks in Rome: Progress Made, but Challenges Persist
The fifth round of negotiations between Iran and the United States over Tehran's nuclear program in Rome has concluded, with Omani mediator Badr al-Busaidi suggesting that some progress was made, but not conclusive. The talks are aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions imposed by the US.
American demands center on the cessation of Iran's uranium enrichment activities, a demand met with strong resistance from the Iranian government. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has asserted that no enrichment would imply "we do NOT have a deal." In a Twitter post, Araghchi expressed the urgency of finding a deal, stating, "Figuring out the path to a deal is not rocket science...Time to decide."
Steve Witkoff, the Mideast envoy representing the US, and Michael Anton, the State Department's policy planning director, led the American delegation. Al-Busaidi was the mediator, with Oman serving as a trusted interlocutor between both countries in the negotiations, having previously mediated discussions.
Following the talks, Araghchi announced their conclusion on Friday afternoon. The negotiations were held at the Omani Embassy in Rome, with convoy movements indicating the start and end of the sessions. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed Witkoff's departure, stating that he left because he needed to catch a flight. The talks continued without him in a "sane and calm atmosphere."
While the outcome of the talks remains uncertain, the consequences of a deal, or the lack thereof, are significant. The US has repeatedly threatened to launch airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities if a deal is not reached, while Iranian officials warn they may pursue a nuclear weapon if provoked. Iran has amassed a stockpile of uranium enriched nearly to weapons-grade levels, reducing the time needed to produce a nuclear device should they decide to do so.
However, experts suggest that even if Iran were to produce a working bomb, it would likely take them months to fully assemble it. The enrichment of uranium remains the central issue in the negotiations, with Iran insisting on continuing the activity within their own borders, a position that has not changed since 2010.
The ongoing negotiations are complicated by various regional and domestic factors. Israel has threatened to strike Iran's nuclear facilities independent of the US, while internal tensions in Iran, such as the mandatory hijab and potential increases in gasoline prices, have sparked unrest. Additionally, Iran's economic situation is sensitive, with its currency, the rial, faced a significant drop in value earlier this year, although it has since improved with the resumption of talks.
The Trump administration has continued to levy sanctions on Iran, including this week's focus on sodium perchlorate sales to the Islamic Republic. An explosion at a port near Bandar Abbas, resulting in numerous casualties, was linked to the importation of the chemical from China.
The next round of negotiations has not yet been scheduled, with the date and location to be determined. The outcome of these talks will play a significant role in shaping the future of US-Iran relations and the security of the Middle East.
(FRANCE 24 with AP)
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