The United States and Iran are expected to hold talks in Turkey aimed at exploring a diplomatic solution to the long-running standoff over Tehran’s nuclear program, with several regional powers set to participate.
The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, are expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul on Friday.
According to the report, foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Pakistan and Oman are among those invited to take part in the discussions.
The talks are expected to lay the groundwork for addressing a range of issues, the newspaper said. Negotiations could proceed along two tracks, focusing on Iran’s nuclear program as well as U.S. demands for restrictions on Tehran’s missile capabilities.
Amid military buildup, Trump indicates Iran wants to make a deal
President Trump has stepped up pressure on Iran in recent weeks, insisting that Tehran commit to refraining from developing nuclear weapons.
“We have the biggest, most powerful ships in the world over there, very close, a couple of days,” Trump told reporters on Sunday. “Hopefully, we make a deal.”
Iran, meanwhile, has sent mixed signals, leaving open the possibility of both negotiations and military confrontation.
News agencies Reuters and AFP also reported that U.S. and Iranian officials plan to meet in Istanbul on February 6.
Separately, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the launch of nuclear talks with the United States.
“President Pezeshkian has ordered the initiation of nuclear negotiations with the United States,” the agency said.
Iftikhar Ali is a veteran Pakistani journalist, former president of UN Correspondents Association, and a recipient of the Pride of Performance civil award
