Senior officials from Iran and the United States are reportedly set to meet in Turkey next Friday for preliminary discussions on restarting nuclear negotiations. The development was confirmed to AFP by an informed source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks. The meeting is being organised with the diplomatic mediation of Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Oman.
The potential summit comes in the wake of Tehran’s renewed call for nuclear dialogue. The source indicated that while details remain tentative, the meeting is expected to involve high-level Iranian officials and US intermediaries, signalling an effort to explore a diplomatic resolution to ongoing tensions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Tuesday that he has instructed officials to engage with the United States on nuclear matters. In a post on the social media platform X, Pezeshkian emphasised that the talks should proceed on an equitable basis, warning against threats or unreasonable demands. “The negotiations will be conducted in a manner that safeguards Iran’s national interests,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has expressed cautious optimism about reaching a resolution with Iran, despite recent threats of military action following protests in the region. Speaking on Monday, Trump remarked that failure to reach an agreement could lead to “adverse consequences,” signalling continued pressure for a diplomatic solution.
Tehran has consistently stressed that the discussions must remain strictly focused on nuclear issues. Iranian officials have ruled out any negotiations concerning missile programmes or broader defence capabilities. In a CNN interview on Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that a nuclear agreement with the United States is feasible, provided American mediators pursue a fair and balanced approach. “If the United States follows a path of equitable engagement, we are prepared to sit down and negotiate,” he added.
The following table summarises the key details of the proposed meeting:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ankara, Turkey |
| Proposed Date | Next Friday |
| Participants | Senior Iranian and US officials |
| Mediators | Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Oman |
| Focus of Talks | Nuclear programme |
| Non-negotiable Issues | Missile programme, defence capabilities |
| Iranian Position | Equal footing, national interest safeguarded |
Analysts suggest that the upcoming meeting could represent a crucial step in easing nuclear tensions in the Middle East and restoring a framework for dialogue that has been stalled for months. Success would not only alleviate international concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions but also reaffirm the role of regional mediators in facilitating diplomacy. Observers worldwide are watching closely, as the outcome may influence the broader strategic and security environment across the region.