Spokesperson: Fifth round of US-Iran talks in Rome "constructive"

The United States and Iran have made “further progress” in their diplomatic discussions, following a two-hour round of direct and indirect talks held in Rome, according to the US State Department.

Speaking to reporters on May 27, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the fifth round of negotiations as “constructive”, noting that such a characterisation had not always applied to previous meetings, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

“The talks continue to be constructive, and that's not something that we've been able to say that in these particular talks, which is beneficial,” Bruce said.

Friday’s discussions were led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US regional envoy Steve Witkoff. Both sides have agreed to meet again, although no specific date has been announced.

Bruce confirmed that Oman is continuing to play a key role as mediator. “We are grateful to once again, our Omani partners for their continued facilitation of the process,” she added.

Araghchi also struck a positive tone, calling the session “one of the most professional” rounds of negotiations between the two nations.

The Rome talks are part of a renewed diplomatic push between Washington and Tehran, after years of stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. Oman has consistently served as the primary facilitator throughout the latest dialogue.

Meanwhile, President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Iran can survive even if nuclear talks with the U.S. fail, following President Donald Trump’s description of recent discussions as "very good."

"It's not like we will die of hunger if they refuse to negotiate with us or impose sanctions," Pezeshkian told state media. "We will find a way to survive."

Talks remain deadlocked over key issues, especially uranium enrichment. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei rejected the idea of a three-year freeze, saying: "Iran will never accept that." He also dismissed reports of a possible interim deal.

Iran is awaiting word from mediator Oman on the timing of the next round. "If there is goodwill from the American side, we are also optimistic," Baghaei said. "But if negotiations are aimed at curbing Iran's rights, then talks will get nowhere."

By Aghakazim Guliyev