Overview
- President Masoud Pezeshkian authorized negotiations only in a “suitable” environment free of threats and unreasonable expectations, saying any talks must serve Iran’s national interests.
- Multiple outlets report a Friday meeting in Istanbul between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, with Jared Kushner expected, though the venue, format, and participant list have not been formally confirmed.
- A source told Fox News that Iran prefers shifting the talks to Oman, and President Trump said negotiations are underway but declined to say where they would occur.
- Foreign ministers from regional states were invited to participate, with Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirming its invitation alongside Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and the UAE.
- U.S. forces, including the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group, have moved into the region as Trump warns that “bad things” could happen without a deal, while Iran reiterates that its defense and missile programs are off-limits and Khamenei cautions a U.S. attack would spark a regional war.