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US and Iran Express Cautious Optimism After Inconclusive Fifth Round of Talks

Iran’s refusal to suspend uranium enrichment at Rome negotiations left a key impasse ahead of a UN watchdog review.

Overview

  • The fifth round of Oman-mediated talks in Rome on May 23 ended with negotiators calling progress positive but leaving major issues unresolved.
  • President Trump praised “very, very good” discussions and suggested an announcement on a breakthrough could come within days.
  • Iran’s foreign ministry reiterated that enrichment remains non-negotiable and rejected any proposal for a temporary freeze.
  • US envoy Steve Witkoff reaffirmed that Washington demands a full halt to Iran’s enrichment to prevent weaponization.
  • Negotiators await details for a sixth round as both sides prepare for a June International Atomic Energy Agency review and the October expiry of the 2015 accord.