WANA (May 26) – Following the fifth round of nuclear talks between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States—mediated by the Sultanate of Oman and held in Rome on May 23, 202—analyses suggest slow yet promising progress toward reviving the nuclear agreement. Nevertheless, the official atmosphere remains steeped in a deliberate silence.

 

Although Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi emphasized after the talks that no final agreement had been reached, his remark about “progress without a definitive outcome” hinted at fresh movement on the diplomatic front. Iranian and American officials, while refraining from disclosing details, also expressed mutual willingness to continue negotiations and explore constructive solutions.

 

Details of the Fifth Round of Indirect Iran-U.S. Talks in Rome

WANA (May 23) – The indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States will be held at the residence of the Omani ambassador at 1 p.m. in Rome today, mediated by Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. The residence of the Iranian ambassador in Rome is about 300 meters away from the Omani ambassador’s residence.   […]

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Media Silence: A Shift in Diplomatic Tactics

One notable feature of this round has been a change in the U.S. media strategy. Iran had previously criticized Washington for attempting to steer negotiations into the public spotlight, and it seems this concern was clearly conveyed at the outset of the fifth round. The result has been a significant drop in media leaks and public disclosures—especially from sources close to Washington. Unlike previous rounds, fewer details about the content of the negotiations or unilateral claims from Western sources have emerged.

 

However, this restrained atmosphere may shift as capitals prepare to deliver formal assessments, potentially reviving the media battleground and competing narratives.

 

The Core Dispute: Uranium Enrichment

According to several observers, the current silence likely conceals a persistent deadlock: the issue of uranium enrichment on Iranian soil. The United States continues to seek a complete halt to these activities, while Iran insists that its peaceful nuclear program, including enrichment, is non-negotiable and falls under its sovereign rights as outlined in the NPT.

President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, attended the National Nuclear Technology Day event at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran on April 09, 2025. President. ir/ WANA News Agency

Oman’s Proposals: A Path Out of the Stalemate

In this context, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Oman has presented a new package of proposals to help advance the negotiations. While details remain scarce, speculation in the media has centered on core differences, with analysts highlighting several key components reportedly under review in various capitals:

 

1. Formation of a Regional Uranium Consortium:
This concept, previously discussed in different forms, envisions regional cooperation for the production and distribution of low-enriched uranium for civilian use. The initiative would likely involve Iran and several Arab states of Persian Gulf . Nevertheless, Tehran maintains that such arrangements cannot replace its inherent right to independently enrich uranium on its own territory.

 

2. Limiting Enrichment Levels While Preserving Sovereignty:
A second proposal suggests that Iran may be willing to reduce its enrichment levels within confidence-building frameworks—on the condition that its sovereign right to enrichment is recognized and that all enriched material remains under IAEA supervision inside the country.

 

3. Expanding Cooperation with the IAEA:
This plan would see Iran increasing transparency within its nuclear program. Tehran has repeatedly stated that it operates one of the most transparent nuclear programs among NPT members, and under fair, apolitical conditions, it could expand its cooperation further.

Iranian negotiating team in U.S. talks. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Regional Pressure and Escalating Threats

These negotiations continue amid mounting regional pressures, especially from Israel, which poses a threat to the diplomatic track. Some Israeli media outlets have raised the possibility of a surprise military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities. In response, Tehran has warned that any aggression would be met with a “decisive and proportionate response.”

 

Iran has also warned against sabotage scenarios aimed at derailing the talks and urged the international community to remain alert to “terrorist operations under false flags.”

 

The Outlook: Between Realism and Skepticism

Overall, Oman’s proposals represent an effort to narrow the gap between the parties—particularly on sensitive issues like enrichment and sanctions relief. Yet the technical and political complexities, coupled with the lack of official disclosures, have left most assessments in the realm of speculation.

 

Araghchi described the recent talks as “among the most professional negotiation sessions” and voiced hope that they could lay the groundwork for progress in subsequent rounds. While major differences remain, the clear willingness on both sides to continue diplomacy suggests that, although this round is not a resolution, it marks a pivotal moment in establishing a more realistic approach from both Tehran and Washington.

 

Ultimately, the future of the negotiations hinges on Washington’s willingness to seize diplomatic opportunities and steer clear of risky regional maneuvers and Israeli provocations. If paired with genuine political will, Oman’s proposals could offer a viable path to unlocking the current deadlock and achieving a lasting agreement.