Reuters Washington-Tehran deal unlikely before summer
According to webangah News Agency, Reuters reported that given the complexities of a potential deal, it is indeed technically impossible for Iran and the U.S. to reach a definitive agreement on Tehran’s nuclear program before this summer.
Citing a senior Iranian official involved in nuclear negotiations with Washington, Reuters added that “a political agreement could be possible if the U.S. abandons its demand for zero enrichment.”
The fifth round of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. concluded yesterday in Rome. Following the discussions, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described it as “one of the most professional rounds of negotiations,” stating: “We reiterated Iran’s clear and unwavering positions. We believe ther is now better understanding on the American side.” He credited Omani mediators for proposing solutions to overcome obstacles.
An unnamed senior U.S. official present at the Rome talks told Al Jazeera: “Discussions were constructive with further progress made, but work remains. Both sides agreed to meet again soon.” The official also claimed some discussions occurred directly—an assertion strongly denied by Tehran.
U.S. Secretary of state Marco Rubio stated last Tuesday that Washington seeks an agreement allowing peaceful nuclear activities without uranium enrichment but acknowledged reaching such a deal would be challenging.
Iran’s Supreme Leader previously warned against U.S. “empty rhetoric,” emphasizing: “The claim that America won’t permit Iranian enrichment is absurd—no one here awaits foreign permission.”