Berlin, 21 May 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The fifth round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran over the Iranian nuclear programme will take place on Friday in Rome, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi announced on the platform X on Wednesday. Oman is mediating the talks.

Both sides had initially shown optimism at the start of the discussions. However, after the recent meeting in the Omani capital, Muscat, significant differences emerged.

The United States is demanding that the Iranian government completely halt uranium enrichment, which Washington views as a necessary measure to permanently prevent the development of nuclear weapons. Tehran rejects this demand but is willing to restrict its nuclear programme again and allow stricter checks.

At the heart of the dispute over Iran's nuclear programme is the question of its use: While Tehran insists it is solely for civilian purposes, Western governments fear it is aiming to construct a nuclear bomb.

US President Donald Trump recently threatened Iran with military force if no deal is reached.

In 2015, Iran had already agreed to restrict its nuclear programme in the Vienna nuclear agreement after lengthy negotiations with China, Russia, the US, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

However, Trump unilaterally withdrew from the pact in 2018 during his first term and imposed new, harsh sanctions. Iran in response stopped adhering to the conditions of the deal.