New US-Iran Nuclear Talks as Tensions Rise
A round of U.S-Iran talks has been announced to take place in Italy as tensions loom over negotiations for a new nuclear agreement.
Newsweek has contacted the U.S. State Department and the Iranian Foreign Ministry for comment.
Iran and the United States remain deeply divided over uranium enrichment as both sides prepare for a new round of nuclear talks. While Washington insists on a complete halt to Iran's enrichment activities, Tehran has vowed to continue its program regardless of any deal.
The fifth round of nuclear talks is set to take place in Rome on Friday, Badr Albusaidi, the foreign minister of Oman-which is mediating the negotiations-announced on X, formerly Twitter.
Esmaeil Baqaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, confirmed the news, saying the negotiating team was "determined and steadfast" in pursuing the right to enrichment and the lifting of sanctions, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency.
Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, said on Sunday that the U.S. would not accept any enrichment activity as part of a future deal with Iran. The American president has threatened Iran with possible military action if it does not agree to a deal.
Daniel R. DePetris, a fellow at Defense Priorities, wrote on X: "I'm not sure what to make about the Trump administration's public comments vis-a-vis the talks. Witkoff's rhetoric has become quite hawkish over the last few weeks. Over the weekend, he again pushed the 'no enrichment for Iran' line ("We cannot allow even 1 percent of an enrichment capability"). The Iranians are obviously quite upset about this change in narrative."
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department previously told Newsweek: "The President has been clear: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. He has expressed his willingness to pursue a deal with Iran. If the Iranian regime does not want a deal, the President is clear he will pursue alternatives."
X user Hossein Tabatabaei wrote: "Dear Mr. Badr Albusaidi, as an Iranian, I will always speak fondly of the Omani government and you personally. Thank you for your kindness. However, I have a suggestion to help the negotiations succeed: please lock Mr. Araghchi and Mr. Witkoff in a room together and only release them once they have resolved their issues. This way, you will find relief, and the Iranian people will pray for you."
The upcoming meeting is expected to play a pivotal role in determining whether diplomacy advances or tensions resume.
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