President Donald Trump’s Envoy Steve Witkoff may meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Axios spoke with three sources familiar with the planning for the talks. Two told the outlet that the talks were scheduled for Friday in Turkey. A Third source explained that talks this week were “the best case scenario,” adding that nothing is final until it happens.
Most countries in the Middle East have lobbied Washington not to attack Iran. The potential talks between Witkoff and Araghchi were the result of diplomatic efforts by Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar.
The potential talks come as President Donald Trump has threatened to attack Iran if Tehran does not make a deal with the US. The US has engaged in a massive military buildup in the Middle East. Trump has reportedly ordered his staff to draw up plans for a decisive strike on Iran to bring down the government.
The President is demanding that Iran agree to sweeping restrictions on its nuclear energy program, the elimination of its nuclear enrichment capabilities, dismantling its missiles that are capable of striking Israel, and cutting ties with other groups in the Middle East.
Ahead of talks, Israeli officials relayed Tel Aviv’s requests to Witkoff. Israel will not accept a deal that does not include “zero enrichment” and a ban on Uranium in Iran. Additionally, Tel Aviv wants any agreement with Iran to include restrictions on Tehran’s missile program and support for groups in the Middle East.
Tehran has expressed openness to an agreement that imposes inspections and restrictions on its nuclear program. Officials have stated that its enrichment, missile programs, and ties to other Middle Eastern organizations are key to Iran’s sovereignty and national security.
Iranian officials, including Arraghchi and President Masoud Pezeshkian, have endorsed talks on the nuclear issue with the US. However, the Foreign Minister has reiterated that Tehran will not change its positions in response to American threats.
An Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that the US should remove its warships to facilitate talks.
The US and Iran held several rounds of talks on Tehran’s nuclear program. Those discussions were derailed when the US and Israel attacked Iran in June.
