WANA (May 23) –  At the end of the fifth round of indirect Tehran-Washington negotiations in Rome, Iran’s Foreign Minister provided explanations on Friday and said that “we went through one of the most professional rounds of negotiations,” adding: “Our positions are clear, and we stand firm on them.”

 

Araghchi stated that: “Once again, we reiterated the positions and principles of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the negotiations. Our positions are clear, and we stand firm on them. We now believe that there is a better and clearer understanding of these positions on the American side.”

 

He continued: “In this round of talks, the Foreign Minister of Oman made efforts to propose solutions to remove the existing obstacles and achieve progress. Within this framework, ideas were raised, and it was agreed that both sides would conduct further expert-level discussions on these ideas, which would be conveyed to the respective capitals — without any commitment at this stage for either party.”

 

“Our intention is to review these new solutions and proposals, which, while preserving the principles and positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, could potentially be constructive,” he added.

 

The Iranian Foreign Minister said: “Both sides are to present their views on these proposals and solutions, and then the next round of negotiations will be arranged and held. I hope that in the next round, if these solutions receive attention in the capitals, we can begin to enter into some details.”

 

He also stated in another part of his remarks to journalists at the end of the fifth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S.: “The negotiations are more complex than to be resolved in just two or a few sessions,” adding: “The fact that we are now on a reasonable path in these negotiations is itself progress, and we hope that in the next one or two sessions, considering the better understanding of Iran’s positions on the other side, we can arrive at solutions and make progress.”

 

Previously, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei announced that the head of the U.S. negotiating team, Witkoff, left the negotiation venue earlier than planned due to flight arrangements. Despite his early departure, talks between the two delegations continued with the facilitation of Oman’s Foreign Minister. Baghaei described the atmosphere of the discussions as “professional, calm, and reasonable.”

 

Omani Foreign Minister also announced that: “The fifth round of Iran US talks have concluded today in Rome with some but not conclusive progress. 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 honourable agreement.”

 

The first round of these indirect talks between Iran and the U.S., mediated by Oman, was held on April 12 in Muscat, and the second round of talks took place in Rome on Saturday, April 19, again with Oman as the intermediary.

 

The third round of talks, which took place on Saturday, April 26, was also in Oman. Iran and the United States concluded their fourth round of indirect negotiations in Muscat on Sunday, May 11.