The United States and Iran are set to hold an official meeting in Istanbul, Turkey, on February 6, despite ongoing diplomatic tensions and fears of possible military conflict. According to an AFP report citing an unnamed Arab official, the meeting was made possible through sustained mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Oman. The US delegation will be led by President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, while Iran’s team will be headed by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and the mediating countries are also expected to attend.

The main agenda of the meeting will focus on Iran’s nuclear program, a long-standing source of friction between Washington and Tehran for over two decades. The two sides last clashed militarily in June of the previous year, leading to a 12-day conflict before a ceasefire was reached. Tensions escalated again in mid-January when President Trump ordered a major naval deployment in Middle Eastern waters.

Despite these strains, both sides have recently signaled openness to diplomacy. Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, while Araghchi said Iran could consider talks if the US presents fair and acceptable proposals.