US, Iran to hold nuclear talks in Turkey

Amid rising tensions and threats of attacks, the United States and Iran are set to resume nuclear negotiations in Istanbul, Turkey, on Friday (February 6), reports AFP.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will lead their respective delegations.

Regional diplomats confirmed that representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Qatar will also attend, with both bilateral and multilateral discussions planned.

The talks aim to revive diplomacy after years of tension over Iran’s nuclear programme, reduce the risk of regional conflict, and rebuild mutual trust.

US-Iran relations have remained strained despite a 12-day flare-up last June involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which ended with a ceasefire.

In January, US President Donald Trump ordered a large naval deployment in the Middle East, raising fears of renewed confrontation.

Araghchi acknowledged the talks would be challenging but said mediating countries are working to restore confidence, and discussions could resume if the US presents “fair and balanced” proposals.