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U.S. and Iran Resume Nuclear Talks in Rome Amid Sharp Divisions Over Uranium Enrichment

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The United States and Iran resumed high-stakes nuclear negotiations in Rome on Friday, concluding the fifth round of indirect talks with no agreement but cautious optimism for progress. The discussions, mediated by Oman, exposed widening gaps between both sides over uranium enrichment—an issue that has now emerged as the chief obstacle to a renewed nuclear accord.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the talks as “complicated,” noting that fundamental differences remain. “The negotiations are too complicated to be resolved in two or three meetings,” he said, adding that Omani proposals had introduced “a possibility of progress.” However, he warned that a deal would be impossible if the U.S. insists on banning all uranium enrichment.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei echoed that stance earlier in the week, criticizing Washington’s demand as “nonsense” and questioning whether a deal is even achievable under such conditions. Tehran, which is currently enriching uranium to 60%—far above the 2015 deal’s cap of 3.67%—says it has no plans to halt enrichment or pursue nuclear weapons, though U.S. intelligence estimates Iran is now less than a week from producing weapons-grade material if it chose to do so.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who led the American delegation alongside Policy Director Michael Anton, called the Rome talks “constructive” but admitted that “there is still work to be done.” A senior Trump administration official said both sides agreed to meet again soon, while praising Oman’s diplomatic role.

The resumed talks mark the highest-level contact since former President Trump re-entered office and revived his “maximum pressure” policy on Iran. Trump has warned of possible military action if diplomacy fails, and tensions escalated this week after Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi warned the U.S. would bear legal responsibility if Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear sites. His letter to the United Nations followed reports that Israel was preparing such a strike, prompting a “productive” conversation between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.

Iran continues to insist on its right to enrich uranium under the Non-Proliferation Treaty and has rejected proposals for a regional consortium or international fuel supply. “Zero nuclear weapons = we DO have a deal. Zero enrichment = we do NOT have a deal,” Araghchi posted Friday on X.

The negotiations are being closely watched ahead of next month’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board meeting in Vienna and the October expiration of key provisions in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). European parties to the deal—France, Britain, and Germany—have warned they may trigger the UN “snapback” sanctions mechanism if Iran’s enrichment threatens regional stability.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is seeking a deal that allows Iran to maintain a civil nuclear energy program without enrichment. “This will not be easy,” he acknowledged.

Experts say Iran is unlikely to retreat from its position. “If the U.S. expects Iran to halt nuclear enrichment, then there can’t be a deal,” said Mohammad Marandi, a Tehran-based political analyst. Others warn the Islamic Republic is engaging now to avoid further sanctions, a potential Israeli attack, and diplomatic isolation in Europe.

For now, both sides are keeping the door open to diplomacy—but with red lines clearly drawn.

IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS CONNECTED TO PROPHECY?

While the West often views Iran’s nuclear program through a secular lens, the spiritual aspect, which plays a central role in driving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, should not be overlooked. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shi’ism is the state religion.

Twelver Shīʿism, the largest branch of Shīʿa Islam, makes up about 85% of Shīʿas. “Twelver” signifies belief in twelve divinely appointed leaders, the Twelve Imams, with the last, Imam al-Mahdi, expected to return as the Mahdi. Twelvers see the Imams as Muhammad’s spiritual and political successors, guiding with justice and interpreting the inner meanings of the Qur’an and Islamic law. They are viewed as infallible (Ismah) and divinely chosen (nass).

The Twelvers believe that the Mahdi is expected to appear in times of extreme chaos, returning alongside Jesus as a messiah to bring peace and establish Islam globally.

Twelver beliefs, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and threats toward Israel and the West have raised concerns. Critics suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader might incite conflict to hasten the 12th Imam’s arrival. Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad has even called for the Imam’s return at the UN, asserting that the Islamic Revolution’s primary goal is to prepare for his reappearance.

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