Iran and the United States began a fifth round of high-stakes nuclear talks in Rome on Friday amid growing skepticism in Tehran about the chances of a deal as Washington hardens its position.

There is no indication the two sides would attach similar confidence building steps to a framework deal this time. The goal would be to establish an understanding on the key point

A round of U.S.-Iran talks has been announced to take place in Italy as tensions loom over negotiations for a new nuclear agreement.