Rome to host fifth round of Iran-US nuclear talks on May 23
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Although few details have emerged, a recent Wall Street Journal report indicated that the negotiations would take place in the Italian capital this weekend.
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US delegates leave the Omani Embassy in Rome after closed-door meeting with an Iranian delegation to discuss Tehran's peaceful nuclear program, Saturday, April 19, 2025 (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Iran and the United States are set to resume indirect nuclear negotiations on May 23 in Rome, Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi confirmed Wednesday. This marks the fifth round of backchannel diplomacy mediated by Oman, part of an effort to reduce long-standing tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear activities.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi noted that Tehran had reviewed the latest proposal. "Tehran had received a proposal for the next round of indirect talks with the US and was considering it," he said on Tuesday.
Although few details have emerged, a Wall Street Journal report indicated that the negotiations would take place in the Italian capital this weekend.
On the other hand, Iran’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the country will take part in the fifth round of indirect talks with the United States concerning Tehran's nuclear program. According to a statement released on Wednesday via the ministry’s official Telegram channel, the talks are scheduled to take place on Friday, May 23, in Rome.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei announced the upcoming session, signaling a continued diplomatic effort to address longstanding nuclear-related issues between Tehran and Washington.
On the US side, NBC News reported, citing two American officials, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Rome on Wednesday "to engage in negotiations with Iranian representatives over a potential nuclear agreement."
Enrichment deadlock and diplomatic doubts
The talks remain overshadowed by a persistent standoff over uranium enrichment. Washington continues to insist that Iran cease enrichment, viewing it as a pathway to nuclear weapons capability. Iran rejects this interpretation, stressing that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and within its rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Iran's Spiritual Leader, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, has expressed open doubt about the effectiveness of talks with the US. "I don't think nuclear talks with the US will bring results," he stated, dismissing American conditions as "nonsense" and reaffirming Iran's commitment to continue enrichment activities.
Read more: Iran reaffirms right to peaceful nuclear program, vows not to bow
Oil prices surge as war threats loom
Just as preparations for the Rome talks continue, global energy markets were shaken by recent reports suggesting "Israel" may be planning a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. The intelligence, reportedly based on US sources, fueled concerns that a military confrontation could derail the fragile diplomatic effort.
Brent crude surged above $66 per barrel, and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed nearly 3.5%, reflecting fears of regional instability that could disrupt a key source of global oil. Analysts warn that such a move would undermine the nuclear talks and potentially push oil prices significantly higher by removing up to a million barrels per day of Iranian supply from the market.
"This is the clearest sign yet of how high the stakes are in the US-Iran nuclear talks and the lengths Israel may go to if Iran insists on maintaining its commercial nuclear capabilities," said Robert Rennie, head of commodity research at Westpac.
