ROME / TEHRAN – The United States and Iran opened the fifth round of nuclear negotiations in Rome today, but Iranian sources are expressing growing doubt that the talks can yield a breakthrough. According to a Reuters report, Iranian officials are increasingly pessimistic and believe the talks may collapse over what they see as impossible demands.
Zero Enrichment = No Deal
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made Tehran’s position clear before departing for Rome, posting on X (formerly Twitter): Zero nuclear weapons = we’ll sign a deal. Zero uranium enrichment = no deal.”
He emphasized that Iran will not give up its enrichment capabilities under any circumstances. Sources in Tehran told Reuters that Iran views this round primarily as a test of Washington’s seriousness, not an opportunity for compromise.
U.S. Proposal Includes Gradual Sanctions Relief
Washington has reportedly proposed a phased lifting of sanctions in exchange for full denuclearization. However, Iranian officials dismissed the offer as unrealistic and disingenuous, accusing the U.S. of lacking true intent to strike a deal.
They also claimed that the U.S. approach closely aligns with the hardline position of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pushing the negotiations toward a dead end.
New U.S. Sanctions Undermine Dialogue
Compounding tensions, the U.S. simultaneously imposed new sanctions on Iran’s construction sector, citing links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the move as: “Illegal, inhumane, and another attempt to hinder Iran’s development and progress.” Iranian officials warned that faith in the negotiation process is fading fast and the talks could collapse entirely unless a credible compromise is offered by the U.S. side.
