ISLAMABAD: Diplomatic efforts to avert a potential military confrontationbetween the United States and Iran have intensified with plans forhigh-level talks in Istanbul on Friday. Multiple credible reports indicatethat US President Donald Trump’s administration is pushing for negotiationsover Iran’s nuclear programme, following a period of heightened tensionsincluding US military strikes on Iranian facilities last summer. Pakistan,along with several Arab and Muslim nations, has been invited toparticipate, highlighting Islamabad’s strategic position in regionalde-escalation initiatives. Sources from Middle East diplomats and USofficials confirm the meeting aims to forge a possible nuclear deal toprevent further conflict.
The proposed discussions represent the first direct engagement betweenWashington and Tehran since the collapse of prior negotiations and thebrief but intense 12-day war in June last year. US Special Envoy SteveWitkoff is expected to lead the American delegation, joined by JaredKushner, Trump’s son-in-law and adviser. On the Iranian side, ForeignMinister Abbas Araghchi will represent Tehran. The Trump administration hasescalated pressure through a significant military buildup in the Gulfregion, with large naval assets deployed, while repeatedly warning thatfailure to reach an agreement could lead to severe consequences.
Iran has shown conditional willingness to engage, with two governmentofficials telling media outlets that Tehran is optimistic about achieving adeal focused on ensuring the country remains free of nuclear weapons.President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly instructed his foreign ministerto pursue fair and equitable negotiations. This comes as Iranian statemedia and officials acknowledge diplomatic channels opened by regionalmediators including Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and Oman, who have worked tofacilitate the Istanbul venue.
Participation from multiple countries underscores the broader regionalstakes involved. Foreign ministers or representatives from Turkey, Qatar,Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan areanticipated to attend. Pakistan’s inclusion reflects its longstanding tieswith both Iran and the United States, as well as its interest in stabilityalong its western border. Islamabad has historically played a mediatingrole in Middle East affairs and maintains a delicate balance in relationswith major powers.
The talks occur against a backdrop of US demands for strict curbs on Iran’snuclear activities, ballistic missile development, and regional proxyinfluence. American officials emphasise the need for Iran to makesignificant compromises to avoid military action. President Trump haspublicly stated that warships are heading toward the region and that “badthings would probably happen” without a swift resolution. This rhetoric hasamplified global concerns about escalation in an already volatile MiddleEast.
Details of the meeting remain fluid, with several diplomats cautioning thatarrangements could change. No official confirmations have come from theWhite House, State Department, or involved embassies in response to mediainquiries. However, the convergence of reports from diverse sources,including US officials and regional players, suggests serious preparationsare underway for Friday’s session in Istanbul.
Iranian readiness stems partly from the desire to ease economic sanctionsand avert further strikes on its nuclear infrastructure. Previous USactions targeted key sites, prompting Tehran to signal flexibility whileinsisting on guarantees against future aggression. The involvement of Arabstates, many of which have adversarial relations with Iran, adds complexitybut also potential leverage for a comprehensive regional security framework.
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Pakistan’s invitation aligns with its foreign policy of promoting dialoguein Muslim-majority contexts and avoiding wider conflicts that could impactits security. Analysts note that Islamabad’s presence could facilitatecommunication channels, given its non-aligned stance and economic tiesacross the region. The talks, if successful, might pave the way for renewedmultilateral diplomacy similar to past efforts but under the currentadministration’s “maximum pressure” approach turned toward negotiation.
The outcome remains uncertain, with both sides facing domestic pressuresand strategic red lines. For the US, a deal must address proliferationrisks; for Iran, it must preserve sovereignty and programme elements deemeddefensive. Regional participants seek to prevent a broader war that coulddisrupt energy markets and stability.
These developments mark a critical juncture in US-Iran relations, withglobal attention focused on whether diplomacy can prevail overconfrontation in the coming days.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2026/02/02/iran-nuclear-talks-trump-military
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