In the latest round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, negotiators ended discussions on Sunday with no breakthrough on key issues, including uranium enrichment. However, both sides have agreed to continue dialogue and have expressed cautious optimism for future rounds.
This marks the fourth round of talks since the discussions began nearly a month ago. It also represents the highest-level contact between the two nations since the U.S. withdrew from the landmark 2015 nuclear deal during President Donald Trump’s first term.
While the discussions did not result in a resolution, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei described the meeting as “difficult but useful,” emphasizing that the talks helped the two sides “better understand each other’s positions and find reasonable and realistic ways to address differences.” A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, conveyed that Washington was “encouraged by today’s outcome and looks forward to the next meeting in the near future.”
In a post on X, Baqaei suggested that the next round of negotiations would be coordinated and announced by Oman. The session in Muscat lasted over three hours, and both sides agreed to continue addressing technical elements in future talks. The talks were a mix of direct and indirect negotiations, with Iran insisting that its right to enrich uranium was non-negotiable, a position that the U.S. views as a “red line.”
Diplomatic Context and Future Negotiations
This latest round of discussions comes amid a surge in diplomatic activity. U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing for his first major foreign tour to the Gulf, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has recently visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The discussions on Sunday were initially set for May 3 but were delayed due to logistical reasons, according to Oman, the mediator in the talks. Despite the lack of a breakthrough, there is still optimism that a resolution is possible, though experts predict that it may take some time. Yousuf Al Bulushi, chairman of the Muscat Policy Council, stated that while a breakthrough would be difficult, he remains hopeful.
“Pressure is a tactic in negotiations… but it’s impacting the atmosphere at the table,” Bulushi added, suggesting that both sides had wasted valuable time clarifying public statements instead of focusing on the core negotiations.
Iran’s Enrichment Program and U.S. Demands
A key sticking point in the talks is Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Iran currently enriches uranium to 60 percent purity, significantly above the 3.67-percent limit established in the 2015 nuclear deal, but still far below the 90 percent needed for weapons-grade material. Tehran has repeatedly defended its right to enrich uranium, stating that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
On the other hand, U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff has firmly stated that Iran’s enrichment facilities must be dismantled, calling it a “red line” for Washington. Despite initial flexibility on allowing low-level enrichment for civilian purposes, Witkoff has reiterated that no enrichment should be allowed in Iran.
“We are not willing to allow Iran to maintain its enrichment capabilities,” Witkoff told Breitbart News, underscoring Washington’s position on the issue.
Rising Tensions in the Region
The ongoing talks have been accompanied by increasing regional tensions. Iran’s nuclear activities have long been a point of contention for Western countries, particularly the United States, which has accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons. Israel, which is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, also opposes any agreement that would allow Iran to maintain enrichment capabilities.
“Iran is the most dangerous state in the world… the most dangerous regime must not be allowed to obtain the world’s most dangerous weapon,” said Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, reiterating Israel’s stance that Tehran should not be permitted to acquire nuclear weapons.
Looking Ahead
As the talks continue, both sides have acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead. Araghchi, in an article published on Sunday in French weekly Le Point, warned against a “strategy of confrontation” and emphasized the need for diplomacy.
The European Union and other signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal are now considering whether to trigger the “snapback” mechanism, which would reinstate UN sanctions if Iran is deemed to be in non-compliance. The deadline for this option expires in October 2025.
The outcome of these ongoing talks will have significant implications for regional security and global non-proliferation efforts. As both Iran and the United States prepare for the next round of discussions, the stakes remain high, with international actors closely watching for any signs of progress or further setbacks.