Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi confirmed that the fifth round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran will take place in Rome on Friday. The talks are aimed at reviving negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and the sanctions imposed by the US. The ongoing diplomatic efforts are being facilitated by Oman.

Four rounds of discussions have been held since April, with three taking place in Muscat and one in Rome. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated on Wednesday that Tehran is still considering whether to participate in the upcoming talks due to “excessive demands” from the US. He emphasized that Iran would continue its uranium enrichment activities regardless of an agreement but is open to offering transparency about its nuclear program.

Araghchi further noted that Iran expects discussions to include the lifting of US sanctions alongside nuclear-related matters. He reiterated that uranium enrichment remains a “red line” for Iran, and the country is committed to its position in the indirect negotiations.

The previous round of talks, held in Muscat on May 11, was described as “difficult but useful,” with both sides acknowledging persistent differences. However, US officials have called for a complete halt to Iran’s uranium enrichment, a demand Iran has labeled non-negotiable.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei expressed skepticism about the talks, claiming that the negotiations might not lead to any concrete results. He criticized the US stance, especially regarding Iran’s right to enrich uranium, calling it a “big mistake.”

The 2015 nuclear deal, which offered sanctions relief in exchange for limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities, was effectively abandoned by former US President Donald Trump in 2018. Since then, Iran has gradually reduced its compliance with the deal’s terms, and the US has reimposed sanctions.

As tensions remain high, European powers involved in the 2015 accord are debating whether to activate the “snapback” mechanism, which would restore UN sanctions if Iran is found to be in non-compliance. This option will expire in October.