Iran and US Set to Resume Nuclear Talks in Istanbul Amid Rising Tensions

ISTANBUL: Iran and the United States are reportedly planning a new round of nuclear negotiations in Istanbul this Friday, focusing on long-standing disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program.

According to a Reuters report on Monday, the talks will take place between Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt are also expected to participate, with the agenda including bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral discussions.

The development follows statements by Iran’s security chief, Ali Larijani, who said that a framework for renewed nuclear talks with the US is taking shape while dismissing media speculation about a potential American military strike on Iran. Shortly afterward, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Iran had initiated communications with Washington.

There was no immediate response from Iranian officials regarding the Reuters report. Earlier, the US-based news website Axios also reported that Aragchi and Witkoff would meet in Istanbul on Friday.

The talks come amid escalating concerns about a possible military confrontation between the two nations, following an increased US military presence in the region. Iran has repeatedly warned that any US military action would be met with decisive retaliation.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei warned on Sunday that a US attack on Iran could trigger a regional conflict. Tehran has also rejected prior US conditions for a nuclear deal, including demands to halt its nuclear enrichment program entirely and restrict its missile capabilities.

Analysts say the upcoming talks in Istanbul will be closely watched internationally, as both sides seek to navigate a volatile geopolitical environment while avoiding direct military confrontation.