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3. U.S. Envoy, Iranian Foreign Minister Expected to Meet in Istanbul for Nuclear Talks

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi are expected to gather in Istanbul, Turkey on Friday for talks discussing a possible nuclear deal according to an Axios report.

Last week, both the U.S. and Iran issued threats of combat as the U.S. moved military assets towards the Middle East and outlined a list of demands including an end to uranium enrichment, limits on the quantity and range of ballistic missiles, and cuts in support to its proxy network. 

Despite an increase in escalatory rhetoric last week, both the U.S. and Iran have expressed openness to engaging in talks.

“Hopefully Iran will quickly ‘come to the table’ and negotiate a fair and equitable deal–no nuclear weapons–one that is good for all parties,” President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social last week. 

Iran has expressed concern over engaging in discussions amid military buildup, during which Araghchi expressed there was no path for diplomacy under direct threat. At the same time, Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the start to nuclear talks with the U.S. on Monday.

U.S. and Iranian officials have not taken part in direct talks since the rounds of talks hosted by Oman in May and June 2025 that were interrupted by Israel's attacks on Iran and the subsequent 12-Day War. 

Several Middle Eastern countries have expressed willingness to aid mediation efforts between the U.S. and Iran, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, all of whom will likely send foreign ministers to Istanbul for the meetings, as well as the UAE, Oman, and Pakistan