Before heading to Rome to participate in the fifth round of indirect nuclear talks with the American delegation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqji sent a clear message to the United States. In a post on the “X” platform, Araqji stressed that on his way to Rome to continue the negotiations, noting that finding a solution to reach an agreement “is not impossible.” He added a clear equation: “The absence of nuclear weapons means an agreement, but not allowing fertilization means the failure of negotiations,” calling for “a decisive decision to take.”
Continuous disputes and openness to inspection in statements to Iranian television, Araqji indicated that there are “fundamental differences” with the American side, warning that any attempt to prevent Iran from enriching uranium will lead to the collapse of the talks. At the same time, Tehran’s openness to increased inspections to its nuclear facilities, thus providing a possible way to overcome obstacles.
Previous rounds and accelerating differences since last April 12, four rounds of talks were held by the Sultanate of Oman between the Iranian delegation led by Araqji and the American delegation headed by envoy Steve Witkeov, and described as positive. However, the differences escalated over the issue of uranium enrichment inside Iran, where Wittakov confirmed Washington’s refusal to allow fertilization even by 1%, while Tehran insisted that fertilization “a red line”. On the other hand, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio proposed Iran’s import of enriched uranium from abroad to ensure tougher control over quantities and proportions.
