High-level officials from the United States and Iran are meeting in Rome for a fifth round of critical negotiations aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal. The talks seek to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of U.S. sanctions that have severely impacted Iran’s economy.

The discussions come amid heightened tensions, with Washington pushing for stricter limits on Tehran’s nuclear activities while Iran demands guarantees that future U.S. administrations will not abandon the agreement again. The previous four rounds of talks, held in Vienna and other European capitals, saw limited progress, but both sides have expressed cautious optimism about reaching a diplomatic solution.

Iran’s economy has struggled under U.S. sanctions, particularly after the Trump administration withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018. The Biden administration has signaled willingness to re-engage but insists Iran must first return to compliance with the original deal’s restrictions on uranium enrichment.

Analysts suggest that the Rome talks could be pivotal in determining whether a breakthrough is possible or if negotiations will stall indefinitely. The outcome could have significant implications for regional stability, particularly amid ongoing concerns over Iran’s nuclear advancements and its strained relations with neighboring U.S. allies.