CNN: Prospects dim for sixth round of Iran nuclear talks as US proposal “incoherent”

The future of negotiations between Iran and the United States over a renewed nuclear agreement is in doubt, with sources familiar with the discussions warning that a sixth round of talks may not take place at all.

The uncertainty follows a breakdown in momentum after the fifth round of talks concluded in Rome on May 23. Despite both sides expressing a willingness to reconvene, recent developments suggest the negotiations are faltering.

A senior Iranian official told CNN that the latest proposal presented by the United States was “incoherent and disjointed,” adding that it appeared “very unrealistic, and with excessive demands.” This private pessimism contrasts sharply with President Donald Trump’s optimistic remarks last week, when he claimed the administration was “very close to a solution,” Caliber.Az quotes. 

Sources say the newest proposal marks a significant shift in the US position, particularly on uranium enrichment. While officials had previously insisted that no enrichment be allowed on Iranian soil, the new proposal reportedly includes the possibility of Iran enriching low-level uranium under a multinational consortium. The group would include Middle Eastern countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the US may invest in Iran’s civilian nuclear program as part of the arrangement.

However, later on June 2, Trump publicly contradicted that approach, stating: “Under our potential Agreement — WE WILL NOT ALLOW ANY ENRICHMENT OF URANIUM,” in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Iranian officials, for their part, have expressed openness to an international consortium but insist that Tehran must retain control over its enrichment activities. 

“Iran’s position on enrichment is firm and steadfast,” the senior official said, reaffirming Tehran’s longstanding red line.

The same official also criticised what they described as inconsistent US behaviour, stating, “The fact that the Americans constantly change their positions has so far been the main obstacle to the success of the talks and now makes the work more difficult than ever.” They further claimed the newest proposal contradicts prior understandings, saying, “The text is clearly in conflict with the latest agreement reached during the fifth round of negotiations.”

With both sides digging in on core issues and expressing mounting frustration, the possibility of a sixth round of talks appears increasingly unlikely. Although the fifth round ended with an agreement to meet again “in the near future,” sources now say the next meeting may not happen at all.

By Sabina Mammadli