Iran, US hold new round of nuclear talks in Rome

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ROME:

Iranian and US negotiators met in Rome on Friday for a fifth round of nuclear talks, after a public disagreement over Tehran's uranium enrichment.

The talks, which began in April, are the highest-level contact between the foes since the United States quit a landmark 2015 nuclear accord during President Donald Trump's first term.

Since returning to office, Trump has revived his "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran, backing talks but warning of military action if diplomacy fails.

Iran wants a new deal that would ease sanctions which have battered its economy.

"The fifth round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States, led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, began in Rome, with the mediation of Oman," Iran's Tasnim news agency reported.

The fourth round of talks, in the Omani capital Muscat, ended with a public spat over enrichment.

Witkoff said Washington "could not authorise even one percent" enrichment — a position Tehran called a red line, citing its rights under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Ahead of Friday's talks, Araghchi said "fundamental differences" remained with the United States, while adding that Tehran was open to its nuclear sites undergoing more inspections.