After days of hardline rhetoric on uranium enrichment, including Supreme Leader Khamenei's pessimistic statements yesterday, Iran confirmed it would participate in a fifth round of nuclear talks with the US in Rome on Friday. The announcement came as a surprise, with Foreign Minister Araqchi spending the morning expressing doubt about Iran's participation while simultaneously reaffirming that enrichment is a "fundamental principle" that cannot be negotiated.

US Secretary of State Rubio maintained that Iran's nuclear program must operate "without enrichment," while warning that alternatives to diplomacy would be "much worse." CNN reported Israel is preparing attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities if negotiations fail.

Officials held memorial ceremonies for President Raisi and others killed in last year's helicopter crash, with President Pezeshkian emphasizing how their "simple lifestyle" refutes "enemies' accusations." Parliament also approved Thursday closures and ratified Iran's accession to the Palermo Convention.