Iran casts doubt on a breakthrough in nuclear talks as U.S. hardens its stance on uranium enrichment ahead of the fifth round of negotiations in Rome.
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| Iran signals talks with U.S. in Rome are likely futile, accusing Washington of aligning with Israeli demands and escalating pressure through fresh sanctions. Image: Iran’s Nuclear Authority |
Tehran, Iran – May 23, 2025:
Iran is expressing deep skepticism over the likelihood of a nuclear agreement as indirect negotiations with the United States resume in Rome on Friday. Tehran accuses Washington of backtracking on previous flexibility and adopting an increasingly rigid stance on uranium enrichment—long a red line for the Islamic Republic.
Speaking to the media, two senior Iranian officials confirmed that Iran’s participation in the fifth round of nuclear talks is largely exploratory. “We are not going to Rome with hopes of a breakthrough,” said one source. “This is about understanding Washington’s true position, which appears to be more confrontational than constructive.”
The latest standoff centers on the U.S. demand that Iran dismantle its uranium enrichment infrastructure. Iranian officials argue that such a condition effectively sabotages any chance of compromise. “Zero enrichment means zero deal,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X before boarding his flight to Italy. “We’re open to solutions, not surrender.”
Uranium enrichment—central to Iran’s nuclear energy program—has become the key sticking point. While enriched uranium can power civilian reactors, it can also, if refined to higher levels, be used to build nuclear weapons. The Trump administration insists that Iran’s enrichment capability constitutes a proliferation risk. Lead U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff stated, “Enrichment enables weaponization—this must stop.”
Tehran, however, maintains that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and insists it has no intention of producing weapons. Iranian leaders have said they are open to enhanced oversight by international inspectors but will not forfeit their right to nuclear technology. They view enrichment as an inalienable sovereign right.
Iranian sources say confidence in the process is eroding. “The negotiating behavior of the U.S. has led decision-makers in Tehran to question whether Washington is genuinely interested in reaching an agreement,” one source noted. “If the U.S. insists on an impossible condition, it means they are using diplomacy as a façade for exerting pressure.”
This skepticism has grown sharper in recent weeks. Initially, some in Tehran saw potential for a balanced compromise. Now, officials see the U.S. position as aligned with that of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long advocated for a total ban on Iranian enrichment. Tehran accuses Washington of echoing Israeli demands, not engaging in independent diplomacy.
Further inflaming tensions, the U.S. announced new sanctions on Wednesday, targeting Iran’s construction sector—allegedly linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)—and ten strategic materials reportedly tied to missile and nuclear development.
“These actions provide the U.S. with broader authority to block Iran’s access to vital construction materials under IRGC control,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry swiftly condemned the sanctions. Spokesperson Nasser Baqaei labeled them “outrageous and unlawful,” accusing U.S. officials of deliberately undermining diplomacy.
“These latest sanctions confirm what many Iranians already believe: Washington is not serious about negotiations,” Baqaei wrote on X. “Announcing them right before talks resume sends a loud and hostile message.”
As delegates gather in Rome, Iran’s position appears to be hardening. Tehran is expected to gauge whether the U.S. shows any sign of moderation. If not, officials warn, the continuation of formal negotiations could be in jeopardy.
While neither side has openly walked away from the table, Tehran's patience appears to be wearing thin. Without tangible concessions from Washington, the fifth round of nuclear talks may prove to be little more than a diplomatic dead end.