The fifth round of Iran-US nuclear talks began in Rome with uranium enrichment remaining the central sticking point. Iranian negotiators maintained their position that halting enrichment would mean "stopping negotiations," consistent with Khamenei's statements earlier this week.
By midday, US negotiator Witkoff left the venue early due to "flight schedule," not negotiation breakdown, according to Iranian spokesman Baghaei. Talks continued for three hours in what Araghchi described as "one of the most professional rounds of negotiations."
After talks concluded, both sides characterized the discussions as productive. Araghchi stated that "new proposals and solutions were presented that could be path-breaking" and negotiations are "on a reasonable path." A senior Trump administration official called the talks "constructive," while Omani mediators noted "not-so-certain progress." Both delegations returned to their capitals with proposals for further expert analysis, with the timing of the next round yet to be announced.