Talks between the US and Iran ended on Friday with “some but not conclusive progress,” as the US seeks to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The fifth round of discussion between representatives of the US and Iran took place in Rome and apparently stalled after the Iranians said they would only sign a deal if it permits domestic enrichment of uranium. The US has vowed enrichment in any form would be a red line.
“The talks continue to be constructive—we made further progress, but there is still work to be done. Both sides agreed to meet again in the near future. We are grateful to our Omani partners for their continued facilitation,” a statement from the US delegation, led by Steve Witkoff, said.
Witkoff is also reported to have met with an Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and the director of Mossad, David Barnea, before the talks.
Israel has been preparing to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities if the talks fail. A source who spoke to Axios claimed Israeli planners believe their window of opportunity for a successful strike is closing.
On Thursday, Iran threatened to move its nuclear materials to undisclosed locations in order to frustrate an Israeli strike.
Since the US backed out of President Obama’s nuclear deal in 2018, Iran has removed all limits on its program of enrichment and is now believed to be on the verge of having enriched uranium sufficiently to make a nuclear weapon.