US homeland security chief discusses Iran talks with Netanyahu
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Kristi Noem describes her talks with Netanyahu on ongoing US-Iran negotiations as "candid", emphasizing Washington’s approach under Trump's directive.
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US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visits the Black Arrow memorial site in the Kibbutz Mefalsim in the Gaza envelope settlements, on May 26, 2025. POOL/AFP)
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that she held a frank discussion with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding Washington's ongoing negotiations with Iran, The Times of Israel reported on Monday.
“President [Donald] Trump specifically sent me here to have a conversation with the prime minister about how those negotiations are going and how important it is that we stay united and let this process play out,” she stated in an interview for Fox News, describing it as a "candid" conversation.
Noem's comments closely follow the conclusion of the fifth round of talks between Iran and the United States on May 23, with no significant advancement yet.
Fifth round of Iran-US talks yields inconclusive results
The fifth round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States concluded in Rome with cautious optimism but no decisive breakthrough, according to statements by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who is mediating the process.
“We achieved some progress, although it was not conclusive,” al-Busaidi said during a press briefing at the end of the talks. He expressed hope that “outstanding issues can be clarified in the coming days in a way that allows for meaningful progress toward a sustainable agreement.”
Witkoff leaves talks early, 'Israel' seeks involvement
The talks, held behind closed doors at the headquarters of Oman’s diplomatic mission in the Italian capital, lasted three and a half hours, according to Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Rome.
The session saw the early departure of the US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, which raised questions about Washington’s posture in the talks. However, the continued presence of the American technical delegation was viewed as a positive sign. “The fact that the technical team remained is an encouraging indication,” Al Mayadeen’s correspondent noted.
Before the talks, Witkoff met with high-level Israeli officials ahead of the fifth round of talks, according to Axios on Friday, which cited Israeli officials stating that "Israel" is trying to closely coordinate with the US and receive immediate briefings of the discussions.
Military analyst Alon Ben David highlighted growing unease in "Israel" over the ongoing indirect US-Iran negotiations, noting that Washington has failed to provide substantive details, with the Channel 13 analyst emphasizing that the limited information provided has been vague and lacking depth, sparking heightened concerns in Tel Aviv.
Iran continues to assert its position that ceasing uranium enrichment, a condition the United States is pursuing, remains out of the question.
Uranium enrichment is a red line to Iran, MPs tell IRNA
On May 24, two senior members of Iran’s Parliament reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s unwavering commitment to uranium enrichment, describing it as both a “red line” and an “inalienable right” that will not be compromised under any circumstances amid the ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington.
Speaking to IRNA, Behnam Saeedi, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, dismissed the recent US demand for a full cessation of enrichment activities, warning that such pressure would derail the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“The Iranian negotiating team will firmly defend the country’s rights and will not back down,” Saeedi said, emphasizing that the talks must adhere to the principles of mutual respect, non-interference in red lines, and the complete lifting of sanctions.
