Rome, May 24, 2025 – The Europe Today: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi has described the fifth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States as one of the “most professional sessions” held so far, signaling cautious optimism in efforts to break the deadlock in ongoing diplomatic talks.
Speaking in Rome on Friday, Araqchi noted that a clearer understanding of both countries’ positions has now emerged, and said that each side will take the latest proposals and ideas back to their respective capitals for further review.
“Now a better and clearer understanding of our positions has been established with the American side, and both sides are taking the raised proposals and ideas to their capitals for further review,” Araqchi stated.
The negotiations, conducted with indirect mediation by Oman, have seen increased diplomatic engagement in recent months. Araqchi revealed that Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Al-Busaidi has actively proposed solutions aimed at bridging existing gaps, which were positively received by both parties without binding commitments at this stage.
Araqchi emphasized that while Iran continues to uphold its core principles and positions, the new ideas presented could serve as a constructive basis for further progress. He expressed hope that the next round of talks, contingent on how the current proposals are received in Tehran and Washington, will delve deeper into specifics.
“In the end, it can be said that the matter of the indirect negotiations remains open, and the talks will continue,” he reaffirmed.
The fifth round of talks marks the second session in Rome following three rounds previously held in Muscat. Araqchi is joined by a delegation including Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht-e-Ravanchi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi, and several other senior diplomats and technical experts.
Prior to his departure for Rome, Araqchi underscored Iran’s core nuclear stance in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Figuring out the path to a deal is not rocket science: Zero nuclear weapons = we DO have a deal. Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal.”
The Iranian delegation’s remarks and the careful handling of new proposals suggest both a measured approach and a continued openness to dialogue, with the potential for substantive progress hinging on internal consultations in both capitals.
