Iran, US prepare talks amid regional push for de-escalation
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- Iran and the US may hold talks soon under regional mediation, with Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt involved.
- Officials say the discussions aim to lower the risk of US military action against Iran amid rising regional tensions.
Diplomatic sources in Iran say talks between Tehran and the US could take place in the coming days as regional powers work to contain escalating tensions.
Iran’s ISNA news agency reported that the negotiations are likely to be led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff. Turkey is expected to host the talks following Araghchi’s recent visit to Ankara, with possible participation by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Read more: Tehran prepares metro stations as shelters amid US tensions
Turkish officials told the Associated Press that Ankara is seeking to arrange the meeting to reduce the likelihood of US military action against Iran. Other regional states, including Qatar and Egypt, have also put themselves forward as potential mediators.
Iranian diplomatic sources denied reports that the talks would include discussions on transferring enriched Iranian uranium abroad during the recent visit of Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to Tehran, describing such claims as inaccurate.
Read more: Qatar, Iran discuss strengthening ties amid regional developments
Iran’s Tasnim news agency said Araghchi and Witkoff are expected to meet, though Washington has not officially confirmed the US envoy’s participation. Axios cited two sources as saying the meeting could take place Friday in Istanbul to discuss a potential nuclear agreement. A White House spokesperson told Al Jazeera that there is currently no comment regarding a meeting between Witkoff and Iranian officials.
Regional coordination intensifies
Regionally, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, stressing that Jordan will not be a battlefield or a launch point for any military action against Iran. Safadi underscored Amman’s rejection of sovereignty violations or the use of its airspace in any regional conflict and affirmed Jordan’s readiness to counter any threat to its security.
Araghchi also held separate phone conversations with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey as part of ongoing regional consultations on the nuclear file and accelerating military tensions involving the US.
Tensions remain high following US strikes on major Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025, when Washington briefly joined a 12-day war between 'Israel' and Iran.
