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Steve Witkoff and Abbas Araghchi are expected to meet on Friday in Istanbul, a development that could reopen direct talks between Washington and Tehran after months of diplomatic deadlock.
Several Middle Eastern nations are preparing to send representatives to the discussions, which aim to outline a framework for a potential nuclear agreement, according to two sources familiar with the planning and a U.S. official. One source characterized the meeting as a “best-case scenario” following intensive efforts over recent days to bring both sides back to the negotiating table.
If it goes forward, the talks would mark the first direct engagement between U.S. and Iranian officials since negotiations collapsed last year and a 12-day conflict erupted in June.
The potential breakthrough comes as President Donald Trump oversees a major U.S. military buildup in the Gulf. The president has argued that a quick diplomatic settlement is the only viable alternative to military confrontation.
A U.S. administration source said the goal of the Turkey meeting is to explore an agreement that could reduce the risk of escalation. The Trump administration hopes Iran will arrive willing to make meaningful concessions.
The renewed push follows mediation efforts by Turkey, Egypt and Qatar. On Monday, the foreign ministers of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt held additional discussions with Araghchi regarding the proposed talks.
Iranian state media reported that Masoud Pezeshkian has directed his government to resume negotiations with the Trump administration. Araghchi echoed that message in remarks on Monday, saying Iran remains open to diplomacy.
“But diplomacy is incompatible with pressure, intimidation, and force. We hope that its results will soon become evident,” he said.
The Trump administration insists any deal must address Iran’s nuclear activities, missile program and support for regional proxy groups. Tehran, however, maintains that only nuclear-related issues are open for negotiation.
Ahead of Friday’s meeting, Witkoff is expected to travel to Israel and meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Witkoff will then head to Abu Dhabi for trilateral discussions involving Russia and Ukraine. Jared Kushner is expected to take part.
From there, Witkoff and Kushner plan to travel to Qatar for talks on Iran with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani before proceeding to Istanbul for the meeting with Araghchi.
