US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are reportedly set to meet in Istanbul on Friday to engage in direct talks concerning a possible nuclear deal, according to reporting by Axios citing unnamed sources.
This diplomatic outreach occurs as Washington and Tehran trade increasingly stern warnings regarding potential US military intervention and corresponding Iranian retaliation. An Arab official confirmed to AFP that the meeting was likely arranged following diplomatic interventions by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Oman.
President Donald Trump stated on Monday that while talks with Iran are ongoing, "bad things would happen" if a comprehensive agreement could not be finalized. Trump also confirmed the deployment of significant military assets, including an aircraft carrier, to the Middle East region.
Iranian sources, cited by Reuters, indicated that Tehran faces three US preconditions for resuming negotiations: zero uranium enrichment, limits on ballistic missile capabilities, and cessation of support for regional proxies. Iranian officials reportedly view the missile program as a more significant obstacle than the enrichment issue.
Domestically, Iranian leadership faces internal pressure, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly warned that public anger following recent crackdowns risks destabilizing the political establishment. Officials cited by Reuters suggested that external pressure, such as a limited US strike, could embolden protesters.
Meanwhile, regional actors are attempting to manage the escalation risk, with Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi assuring his Iranian counterpart that Jordanian territory will not serve as a launchpad for attacks against the Islamic Republic.
These developments coincide with increased internal security measures in Iran, including the arrest of several activists and foreigners on charges related to participation in recent unrest. The UK also announced new sanctions targeting Iranian security forces and officials for their handling of recent protests.
