Iran and the United States are set to begin the fifth round of high-level nuclear negotiations in Rome on Friday, amid growing skepticism in Tehran over the prospects of reaching an agreement, as Washington adopts a harder line.
Two Iranian sources told CNN that the talks are unlikely to yield a deal, with the U.S. insisting that Tehran must dismantle its uranium enrichment program—a demand Iranian officials say would collapse the negotiations.
According to the sources, Iran’s participation in the Rome talks is solely aimed at assessing Washington’s latest stance, rather than pursuing any significant breakthrough.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Tehran’s red lines before departing for Rome on Friday.
“Finding the path to a deal is not rocket science,” he posted on X before his flight.
“Zero nuclear weapons = we DO have a deal.
Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal.”
He is set to travel to Rome for the fifth round of indirect talks with the United States.
Trump Administration Firm on Enrichment Ban
The Trump administration has demanded Iran halt all uranium enrichment activities, which U.S. negotiator Steve Witkoff said “enable weapons development.” Uranium, a key nuclear fuel, can be used to build a bomb if enriched to high levels. Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful and says it is willing to commit to not enriching uranium for military purposes under a deal.
Speaking Thursday, Araghchi said Iran is open to enhanced monitoring by international inspectors, but it will not give up its right to pursue nuclear energy, including enrichment. Washington, for its part, is offering sanctions relief in exchange for denuclearization.
The U.S. had previously sent mixed signals on whether Iran would be allowed to enrich uranium, but in recent weeks it has hardened its stance, insisting on zero enrichment.
This shift has prompted Iranian officials to question Washington’s commitment to reaching a deal, as Iran has repeatedly stated that enrichment is a red line in the negotiations.
“U.S. media statements and behavior during the talks have significantly disillusioned Tehran’s policy circles,” the sources said in a joint message.
“From the perspective of decision-makers in Tehran, the fact that the U.S. knows a total ban on uranium enrichment is unacceptable for Iran—yet insists on it—signals that Washington is not genuinely seeking a deal, but rather using negotiations to escalate pressure.”
Initially, some Iranian officials believed Washington would seek a “win-win” compromise. However, the prevailing view now is that the Trump administration is steering the talks toward a dead end.
The same sources added that although neither the U.S. nor Iran wants to walk away from the negotiating table, Washington’s position will render the talks fruitless, making it unlikely that formal meetings will continue much longer.
On Friday, the Iranian delegation in Rome intends to explore whether the U.S. has reconsidered its approach. Sources suggest Tehran will likely adopt a tougher stance unless Washington offers tangible concessions beyond its current demands.
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