Iranian officials confirmed Friday that Steve Witkoff, head of the U.S. negotiating delegation, departed nuclear talks in Rome due to flight scheduling. The fifth round of Oman-mediated discussions between Iranian and U.S. representatives began earlier in the day, with both sides engaging indirectly amid ongoing efforts to address regional security concerns.
"The head of the American negotiating team left here a few minutes ago due to his flight schedule," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated during a televised address. The talks, led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, mark the latest attempt to navigate complex diplomatic terrain through Omani intermediaries.
While details of the discussions remain undisclosed, analysts suggest the negotiations focus on stabilizing regional tensions and addressing nuclear program concerns. The Rome meeting follows four previous rounds of mediated dialogue, underscoring Oman's growing role as a neutral facilitator in Middle East diplomacy.
