On May 23, 2025, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and an Iranian delegation engaged in over two hours of discussions in Rome concerning Iran's nuclear program. A senior U.S. official described the talks as constructive, noting that further progress was made, though additional work remains. Both parties agreed to meet again in the near future. Oman played a facilitative role in these negotiations.

This meeting marks the fifth round of nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, with previous sessions held in Oman and Rome. The discussions have been mediated by Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. Key points of contention include Iran's uranium enrichment program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions. Iran insists on maintaining its right to domestic uranium enrichment, while the U.S. demands a halt to such activities. Ideas to bridge this gap, such as creating a regional uranium supply consortium, have been proposed.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have spanned decades, primarily revolving around Iran's nuclear program. Starting with U.S. support for Iran’s peaceful nuclear efforts in 1967, relations soured significantly after the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent U.S. Embassy hostage crisis. Iran's nuclear ambitions resurfaced in 2002 with revelations about its Natanz enrichment facility. Negotiations with European powers briefly halted enrichment in 2003, but resumed under hardline leadership in 2006. Secret U.S.-Iran talks under President Obama culminated in the 2015 nuclear deal, which placed limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. President Trump unilaterally withdrew from the deal in 2018, leading to escalating hostilities including Iran backing away from its commitments, regional proxy conflicts, and high-profile assassinations, such as Iranian General Qassem Soleimani in 2020. Diplomatic efforts resumed under President Biden without success. Tensions intensified further with Iran’s involvement in the Ukraine war and Middle East conflicts. With Trump’s return in 2025, new talks were initiated, including five rounds of discussions in Oman and Rome, yet no conclusive agreement has been reached. Mutual airstrikes and regional hostilities persist, underscoring the fragility of current diplomatic efforts aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear progression.

Oman has a longstanding history of mediating between the West and Iran, including during the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiations. The current talks come amid heightened tensions: Trump has threatened airstrikes, and Iran is enriching uranium near weapons-grade levels. The negotiations, likely to begin indirectly, face challenges due to differing expectations from both sides. Oman’s unique diplomatic position and experience have made it a critical bridge in these talks, although its traditionally low-profile approach contrasts with more public diplomacy from neighboring Gulf countries. The outcome remains uncertain, especially as Iran appears unwilling to abandon its nuclear program entirely, and memories of past betrayals, such as Libya’s disarmament, influence Iran's stance. Nonetheless, some Iranian officials hold out hope for progress if the U.S. avoids intimidation tactics.

A senior U.S. official described the May 23 talks as constructive, noting that further progress was made, though additional work remains.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi expressed optimism about progress in nuclear negotiations with the United States after mediation efforts by Oman. Speaking after the fifth round of talks, Araqchi described the sessions as among the most professional and acknowledged that while the discussions remain complicated, the proposals presented by Oman have created potential for advancement. He emphasized the need for further negotiations to resolve outstanding issues.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who is mediating the discussions, confirmed that the fifth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks concluded in Rome with limited progress but no breakthrough. He noted that the negotiations have stalled over a key point of contention: Iran's insistence on maintaining the right to domestic uranium enrichment, which the U.S. opposes. Al-Busaidi has proposed several ideas to bridge differences and expressed hope that unresolved issues can be clarified in the coming days to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

The outcome of these negotiations holds significant implications for international diplomacy and Middle Eastern stability. A successful agreement could lead to the lifting of economic sanctions on Iran, potentially stabilizing its economy and reducing regional tensions. Conversely, failure to reach an agreement may escalate hostilities, with potential military actions from Israel and further destabilization of the region. The involvement of Oman as a mediator underscores the importance of neutral parties in facilitating dialogue between adversarial nations.

As the U.S. and Iran continue their negotiations, the international community watches closely, recognizing the high stakes involved. The path to a comprehensive agreement remains fraught with challenges, but the commitment to ongoing dialogue offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to longstanding tensions.