Similar friction welded joints of AA-7005 aluminum rods were fabricated using different combinations of process parameters such as friction pressure(1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 MPa) and friction time(10, 15 and 20 s). Interfacial microstructure and formation of intermetallic compounds at the joint interface were evaluated via scanning electron microscopy(SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrum(EDS), and optical microscopy(OM). Microstructural observations reveal the formation of intermetallic phases during the welding process which cannot be extruded from the interface. Theses phases influence the tensile strength of the resultant joints. From the tensile characteristics viewpoint, the greatest tensile strength value of 365 MPa is obtained at 1.5 MPa and 15 s. Finally, the role of microstructural features on tensile strength of resultant joints is discussed. Similar friction welded joints of AA-7005 aluminum rods were fabricated using different combinations of process parameters such as friction pressure (1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 MPa) and friction time (10, 15 and 20 s). Interfacial microstructure and formation of intermetallic compounds at the joint interface were evaluated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), and optical microscopy (OM). Microstructural observations reveal the formation of intermetallic phases during the welding process which can not be extruded from the interface. From the tensile characteristics of the resulting joints. From the tensile characteristics viewpoint, the greatest tensile strength value of 365 MPa is obtained at 1.5 MPa and 15 s. Finally, the role of microstructural features on tensile strength of the resulting joints is discussed.