US-Iran 5th round nuclear talks yield "some progress", says Omani mediator

The fifth round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran concluded in Rome on May 23, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, acting as mediator, characterizing the outcome as having yielded “some but not conclusive progress.”

The talks come amid a critical impasse, as Iran insists on a deal that guarantees its right to enrich uranium domestically—a demand the US has labeled a red line. This fundamental disagreement has stalled efforts to revive a nuclear accord, and the geopolitical stakes continue to rise, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Israel, increasingly alarmed by Iran’s nuclear trajectory and skeptical of the diplomatic process, has reportedly accelerated preparations for a potential military strike on Iranian nuclear sites should negotiations collapse. A source stated that Israel believes “its operational window for a successful strike could close soon.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi characterized the discussions as “very complicated” and emphasized that more negotiations are required. He noted that Minister al-Busaidi had introduced “several ideas” in an attempt to bridge the significant gaps between Washington and Tehran.

The meeting between Araghchi and White House envoy Steve Witkoff lasted three hours and was described by a source familiar with the discussions as “very productive.”

Just prior to the Rome talks, Witkoff held a closed-door meeting with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Mossad Director David Barnea. According to a US source, Israel remains deeply skeptical of the ongoing negotiations and continues to prepare for a military option, despite the considerable risks inherent in striking Iran’s fortified nuclear infrastructure.

On May 22, Iran escalated the rhetoric, warning that it may relocate its nuclear materials to undisclosed locations to preempt any Israeli attack.

“We hope to clarify the remaining issues in the coming days, to allow us to proceed towards the common goal of reaching a sustainable and honorable agreement,” said al-Busaidi, the Omani foreign minister and chief mediator.

By Vafa Guliyeva